Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions

Kristine Jan Cruz Espinoza, PhD, will present "Deep Roots, Strong Branches: The Foundation and Future of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions."

The federal Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designation and program was established with the signing of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act in 2007. Since then, AANAPISIs and funded AANAPISI programs have been leveraged as a key policy lever to support Asian American, Pasifika and other minoritized communities. The metaphor of “deep roots” represents AANAPISIs’ strong foundation in community advocacy while “strong branches” reflect their outsized role in enrolling Asian American and Pasifika students nationwide and fostering broader social impact.

This talk will delve into the historical origins of AANAPISIs, highlight outcomes and opportunities they have created, and explore ideas around how AANAPISIs — including emerging AANAPISIs like Cal Lutheran — can enhance their efforts toward a more inclusive and equitable future in U.S. higher education that remains grounded in this advocacy’s legacy.