Increase federal funding for Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions

Post-its and handwritten messages on a posterboard labeled with the year 1975

These colleges and universities are essential for increasing higher education access and success to low-income, first-generation Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students, including SEAAs.

Key resources:

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“I think that AANAPISIs are important because it allows for Asian American students, like myself, to come together and feel a sense of belonging. This space has allowed me to build relationships I know will last a lifetime. ANNAPISIs allow for there to be a community-based foundation for Asian American students who need that.”

alumnus of Irvine Valley College, an AANAPISI located in CA
People delivering a statement

“We need to be actively thinking about creative spaces and after-school programs that encourage participation from refugee parents in preparing their children for college. More importantly, we need to address language access. Without the ability to read documents or understand robocalls, parents are further barred from being informed on their child’s educational attainment and success.”

Sovanna Pouv
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell

“We need to invest far more in our school systems so that Southeast Asian American students, and all students of color, have a high quality education – at every level and no matter what path they choose to take.”

Roseryn Bhudsabourg
SEARAC board member
LAT participants striking a pose.

People Power in Action

Six people wear traditional attire adorned with flowers

Include Southeast Asian American ethnic studies in school curricula

Learning about the histories, culture, and experiences of our diverse communities, including SEAAs, benefits all students

Increase federal funding to support SEAA students’ success

SEAAs’ refugee history, their invisibility in education data and policy, and systemic racism create barriers to our students’ educational success. Our government must address the disparities that SEAA students experience and invest in their futures.

2025 marks 50 years of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States!  As we honor this legacy, we are excited to welcome our next cohort to the nation’s capital this June for SEARAC’s Leadership and Advocacy Training (LAT) program.

Together, we will build power and cultivate leadership on issues affecting Southeast Asian American (SEAA) communities. Join us in commemorating 50 years of immigrant and refugee resilience, community advocacy, and power-building. Apply to LAT today at bit.ly/applyforLAT2025 or at the link in our bio!

2025 marks 50 years of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States! As we honor this legacy, we are excited to welcome our next cohort to the nation’s capital this June for SEARAC’s Leadership and Advocacy Training (LAT) program.

Together, we will build power and cultivate leadership on issues affecting Southeast Asian American (SEAA) communities. Join us in commemorating 50 years of immigrant and refugee resilience, community advocacy, and power-building. Apply to LAT today at bit.ly/applyforLAT2025 or at the link in our bio!

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Health care is a matter of life or death for many in the Southeast Asian American community. We must protect Medicaid and ensure that all communities have coverage and access to life saving care. Today, SEARAC joins partners across the country for a Day of Action to Protect Medicaid as Congress considers drastic funding cuts. 

Medicaid is more than a safety net—it’s a critical health insurance program covering millions of low-income Americans. From children to older adults and individuals with disabilities, Medicaid offers free or low-cost healthcare services, funded by both federal and state governments. Call your member of Congress and Protect Medicaid 866-426-2631

Health care is a matter of life or death for many in the Southeast Asian American community. We must protect Medicaid and ensure that all communities have coverage and access to life saving care. Today, SEARAC joins partners across the country for a Day of Action to Protect Medicaid as Congress considers drastic funding cuts.

Medicaid is more than a safety net—it’s a critical health insurance program covering millions of low-income Americans. From children to older adults and individuals with disabilities, Medicaid offers free or low-cost healthcare services, funded by both federal and state governments. Call your member of Congress and Protect Medicaid 866-426-2631

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