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Introduction to AANAPISI Print E-mail

Introduction | Advocacy | Serving Institutions | How To Apply

What This Bill Does

In the Higher Education Bill introduced by Congressman Underwood, the Department of Education is given the authority to include Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders within Title III of the bill. If a scholastic institution has an undergraduate Asian American and Pacific Islander population of 10% or higher, it would be eligible to apply for designation as an AAPI serving institution. 

When such an institution is recognized, grants can be given to assist in certain authorized activities to plan and develop minority programs in these schools. Some of the authorized activities within the amendment include:

  • Curriculum development and academic instruction
  • Purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials
  • Renovation and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities
  • The establishment of community outreach programs that will encourage elementary school and secondary school students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue post-secondary education
  • Academic instruction in disciplines in which Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are underrepresented
  • The conducting of research and data collection for Asian American and Pacific Islander populations and sub-populations 

Through these permitted activities, colleges and universities can develop diverse study curriculum to educate all students about Asian American and Pacific Islander issues, history and culture. Collaboration between institutions of education and grassroots communities and organizations can form through such additional programs funded by this bill while more resources for research and data collection can be utilized for community analysis and public policy development. Although this amendment is still in its introductory stages, it shows great potential. 

While this bill addresses the need of many schools around the nation in regards to Asian American and Pacific Islander student population, it does not contain clauses to help encourage colleges and universities around the nation who have extremely low percentage of AAPI students. For those colleges, to attain a student body of at least 10% Asian American and Pacific Islander would seem almost unattainable. It is important to realize that the next step is to encourage programs and funding at such schools for the smaller AAPI communities, as it is also very crucial to promote growth and development. 

For more information, check out SEARAC's Website.


 
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