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:
Featured story
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).
Learn more
“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
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on the SEARAC community, and to learn more about how you can get involved.
Latest related posts
Applications are OPEN! SEARAC’s 2026 Leadership and Advocacy Training (LAT) program is now accepting applications.
Join SEARAC and rising leaders from across the country to deepen your understanding of the issues impacting Southeast Asian American communities and build the advocacy skills needed to advance change at the federal level.
🗓 Apply by Feb. 8
🔗 bit.ly/LAT2026app or link in bio
Tag a future leader who should apply!
Jan 15
We’re grateful to the Seattle community for uplifting Southeast Asian American experiences through a screening of our docuseries, @seaajourneys_doc. This special event was made possible by @theatreoffjackson n and included a book sale featuring works by Southeast Asian authors from @mamsbookstore.
Moments like this inspire us to keep creating space for Southeast Asian American stories in 2026 and beyond.
📸 Photos courtesy of Bryna Antonia Cortes
Jan 13
We are holding Minnesota communities close after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in South Minneapolis. Her killing reflects the continued violence ICE carries out against immigrants and refugees.
Jan 8
"Healing requires both honoring the past and taking deliberate steps in the present. Many of us were taught, either directly or through unspoken messages that our emotional struggles and vulnerabilities should be hidden. Yet, healing requires us to honor how pain impacts both mind and body."
Read Tina`s full blog at the link in our bio.
Jan 6
"As I’ve learned more about the country of my ancestors, I’ve come to admire the centuries of resistance against foreign invaders to safeguard our heritage and identity."
Read Tyler`s full blogpost at the link in our bio.
Jan 5
