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.
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SEARAC Responds to President’s FY2025 Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the Biden administration released the Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget. The annual budget proposal details the President’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and, though non-binding, provides…
Learn more“My commitment to educational advocacy is shaped by my personal experience as a low-income, immigrant Southeast Asian student in the U.S public school system and my professional experiences as a teacher and youth facilitator. As a high school student, I experienced firsthand a lack of a culturally inclusive education and witnessed an unequal distribution of resources between my high school and the wealthier, predominantly white high school just across the bridge. Yet, I did not have the language to name what I was experiencing.”
SEARAC LAT 2019 participant
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
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Today, our leaders made their mark on Capitol Hill and met with congressional offices to uplift key issues like data disaggregation in education, access to quality healthcare, and the protection of family immigration.
We’re deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and the congressional offices who welcomed our SEARAC Leadership and Advocacy Training participants. And to our inspiring cohort: thank you for carrying forward the legacy of Southeast Asian American advocacy and for sharing your gifts with us!
Jul 17
We’ve officially wrapped up Day 2 of SEARAC’s LAT program! Today was a powerful journey through reflection as participants looked back at the history of our Southeast Asian American community, recognizing where we stand today, and envisioning the future we’re working toward.
Our communications team led a workshop on how to create your narrative, followed by a dynamic Advocacy Panel with our incredible partners. We closed out our day with music, movement, and dancing!
Tomorrow, our participants will take their voices to Capitol Hill, meeting with legislators to advocate for policies that directly impact Southeast Asian American communities. We couldn’t be more proud of the strength, courage, and collective power they’ve built. #LAT2026
Jul 16
SEARAC LAT Day 1 ✅
Today marked the kickoff of #LAT2026! We welcomed our incredible cohort of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) advocates and allies to Washington, DC for a journey rooted in our community`s history and refugee resilience.
Participants reflected on their "why" for joining this 3-day training, then dove into their issue tracks. We unpacked critical issues facing SEAA communities today, including the fight to count AANHPI communities in education data through the All Students Count Act. Join us in the fight for data that truly reflects the SEAA experience. Add your voice at bit.ly/ASCAct2026 or at the link in our bio.
Follow along @SEARAC all week for more from #LAT2026!
Jul 15
Get @reshare_app • @seaajourneys_doc Meet us at the 15th annual BlackStar Film Festival this August in Philadelphia! @blackstarfest is celebrating this milestone with a powerful program of films from Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists, panels, and of course, parties.
𝗠𝗨𝗢𝗭-𝗗𝗢𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗘 screens in the shorts program AUTOSCOPY
📅 August 7, 2026 at 11:30am
📍Philadelphia at the Kimmel Center
blackstarprojects.org/festival
#CinemaForLiberation #BSFF26
Jul 10
Last month, Jenna McDavid, SEARAC Director of Development, wrote a blog reflecting on her 10-week sabbatical and the opportunities and challenges that came with it.
Jenna shares, “And yet, despite the much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge, I struggled with sabbatical! I found it surprisingly hard to not work, especially when it has been more than 25 years since I didn’t have a job. It took me weeks to really let go.”
Read Jenna`s blog at the link in our bio!
Jul 8
