This resolution expresses support for recognizing September 22-28, 2025, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week" to honor the vital role these schools play in educating AANHPI students.
Mazie Hirono
Senator
HI
This resolution expresses support for designating a week in September 2025 as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes the vital role these institutions play in educating a significant portion of AANHPI students, many of whom are low-income and first-generation college attendees. The bill encourages these schools to seek funding for culturally relevant programs that boost student success. Ultimately, this measure celebrates the contributions of these institutions to American higher education and cultural diversity.
Congress Backs Week-Long Recognition for Colleges Serving Asian American and Pacific Islander Students in September 2025
This resolution is essentially Congress giving a formal nod of recognition to the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program. It’s not a law that changes policy or funding, but rather a statement of support designating September 22–28, 2025, as “Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week.” The timing is significant because 2025 marks the 18th anniversary of the program, which was established back in 2007 to bolster these crucial colleges.
The Schools Doing the Heavy Lifting
So, what exactly is an AANAPISI? It’s a degree-granting college where at least 10% of the undergraduate student body is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI). While these institutions only make up about 7% of all higher education places in the U.S., they are disproportionately important. They enroll a massive 46% of all AANHPI undergraduates nationwide, according to the resolution’s findings. This means almost half of all AANHPI students are walking the halls of these specific schools, making them critical hubs for this community.
Why This Recognition Matters to Students
If you’re a student, or if you know someone who is low-income or the first in their family to go to college, this is where the rubber meets the road. The resolution highlights that the majority of AANHPI students attending these schools fall into those categories. These colleges aren't just handing out degrees; they are providing culturally relevant academic programs and support services that help students stay in school and graduate. The numbers prove it: AANAPISI schools award 51% of all associate’s degrees and 44% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by AANHPI students across the country.
The Encouragement to Seek Funding
While this resolution doesn't cut a check, it does serve as a strong encouragement. It explicitly supports the idea that any college or university that qualifies as an AANAPISI should be actively seeking out federal funding. This existing funding, once secured, is used to build specific programs designed to meet the unique needs of AANHPI students, their families, and their communities. For institutions, this resolution provides political cover and recognition when applying for competitive grants, potentially boosting their chances of securing resources for things like better tutoring, mental health services, or specialized career development.
What Happens During the Week
This resolution calls on the entire country—including the Pacific territories and interested organizations—to observe the designated week in September 2025. This means holding activities, ceremonies, and programs to show support for these educational institutions. For the average person, this might translate into increased media coverage or local community events that raise awareness about the unique challenges and successes of AANHPI students, fostering a better understanding of educational equity and cultural heritage across the board. It’s Congress saying, “Pay attention to these schools; they are doing vital work.”