September 20, 2024 Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden today signed a proclamation declaring September 23 through September 29, 2024, as National Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week. This week will celebrate and recognize the vital role AANAPISIs play in providing educational opportunities and support for millions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) students.
AANAPISIs, nearly 200 institutions across the United States, are key to helping many AA and NHPI students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or who are the first in their families to attend college. In his proclamation, President Biden emphasized the importance of these institutions in creating pathways to upward mobility for underserved communities, providing resources like tutoring, career development, counseling, and culturally relevant services.
“During AANAPISI Week, we celebrate these critical institutions for the resources and support they provide to students, and we recommit to advancing their mission and success,” Biden said in the proclamation.
He also highlighted that AANAPISIs award more than half of all associate degrees and more than one-third of all bachelor’s degrees earned by AA and NHPI students in the country.
Biden Administration’s Commitment to AANAPISIs and AAPI Communities
The Biden administration has taken significant steps to strengthen AANAPISIs and support AA and NHPI communities. Through the American Rescue Plan, $5 billion was directed to these institutions to enhance their capacity to serve students. Additionally, the Department of Education has made investments to increase the diversity of educators by supporting teacher training programs at Minority Serving Institutions, many of which enroll large numbers of AA and NHPI students.
In his proclamation, President Biden also pointed to the re-establishment of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the release of a National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA and NHPI communities. These measures are part of a broader effort to ensure that the AA and NHPI population has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Making College More Affordable
President Biden reiterated his administration’s work to make higher education more accessible and affordable. This includes a $900 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award — the largest increase in more than a decade — and efforts to cancel student debt through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. The administration has also introduced a new student debt relief plan that could benefit more than 30 million Americans.
“I have always believed that the American Dream is big enough for everyone,” Biden said, stressing that each generation must work to open the doors of opportunity for those who come after them.
Looking Ahead to AANAPISI Week
During AANAPISI Week, the President urged public officials, educators, and citizens to observe the week by recognizing the critical contributions of these institutions. AANAPISIs not only empower AA and NHPI students but also strengthen the diversity and resilience of the nation as a whole. The nearly 200 AANAPISIs across the country serve as crucial stepping stones for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers from AAPI communities.
As the nation prepares to celebrate AANAPISI Week, the spotlight will shine on the important role these institutions play in helping AA and NHPI students realize their potential and achieve their academic and professional dreams.
Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Overview
Established by the U.S. Congress in 2007, the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designation aims to support higher education institutions that serve significant numbers of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. To qualify for this designation and receive federal funding, an accredited institution must have at least 10 percent of its full-time undergraduate enrollment identifying as Asian American and/or Pacific Islander. Importantly, AANAPISIs are open to students of all races and ethnicities, providing inclusive educational opportunities and resources for diverse student populations.
