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.
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SEARAC Commemorates the 17th Anniversary of AANAPISIs
Since its founding, AANAPISIs have served thousands of first-generation and low-income students, including Southeast Asian Americans (SEAAs).
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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
“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.”
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.”
SEARAC board member
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Latest related posts
Thank you for joining the kickoff of our Rising Up webinar series! Today`s virtual event was about the importance of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) increasing Southeast Asian American educational attainment, recent threats to the program, and our proposed solutions.
Join us tomorrow for part 2 of the series where SEARAC will moderate a discussion by Southeast Asian American students about their educational experiences. RSVP today: bit.ly/RisingUpPt2
Apr 28
AAPI communities are speaking out—and the message is clear: affordability, healthcare, and economic security can’t wait.
Join us for AAPI Policy Priorities in a #YearofAction as we break down new survey data and what it means for policy action in 2026.
📅 April 29
⏰ 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET
🔗 Register: AAPIData.com/2026priorities
Hear from community leaders on how economic pressures, civil rights concerns, and global instability are shaping AAPI voter priorities—and what comes next.
#AAPI #Policy #EconomicJustice
Apr 27
April 1975 forever changed the lives of families from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam when Saigon fell. This month, we remember the mass displacement, the impossible sacrifices, and the unthinkable decisions families made to survive.
For 50 years, Southeast Asian Americans have shaped our nation`s story and during this 250th year of the United States, we are inspired by their continued fight for justice and commitment to strengthening our democracy. This April, remember: Southeast Asian Americans are part of America`s story.
Apr 24
SEARAC is proud to launch our new “Rising Up” fact sheet and webinar series highlighting the urgent needs of Southeast Asian American students. SEARAC is kicking off the series with two back-to-back releases focusing on Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and student experiences. Learn more at the link in our bio:
Rising Up Webinar Series: Protect AANAPISIs
April 28, 2026 | 1:30–2 pm ET
bit.ly/RisingUpPt1.
Rising Up Webinar Series: Southeast Asian American Student Voices
April 29, 2026 | 3:30–4 pm ET
bit.ly/RisingUpPt2
Apr 23
Today, Quyên Đinh, SEARAC Executive Director, joined US Senator @maziehirono , @repespaillat, @repmarktakano, and education and civil rights advocates at a press conference calling on the Trump Administration to protect and fully fund Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). MSIs have helped millions of students of color, including Southeast Asian Americans, access higher education. It has been essential for low-income and first-generation college students.
Apr 22
