Reps. Chu, Takano, Meng and Senator Hirono Recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions Week

While the Trump administration cuts funding for Minority Serving Institutions, Members of Congress recognize the importance of AANAPISIs in expanding access to higher education for all

Washington, D.C. - Last week, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Emerita Judy Chu (CA-28), First Vice Chair Mark Takano (CA-41), and Chair Grace Meng (NY-06) introduced a bipartisan resolutionrecognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 22 - September 28, 2025. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. Since its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions serving AANHPI undergraduate students to help expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll 46 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award over 50 percent of the associate degrees and nearly 45 percent of the bachelor's degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country.

This resolution comes in the wake of the Trump administration's reckless decisionto rescind $350 million in Congressionally-approved funds from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) including AANAPISIs, Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Predominantly Black Institutions. AANAPISIs alone have had over $18 million in grant funding terminated, which will force many to gut support services for students and lay off staff. These cuts will destabilize the education of thousands of students and ultimately harm our nation's economic future.

"As a former community college educator, I have seen how a quality college education can unlock our students' full potential. I've also seen how so many students of color and low-income students face enormous barriers to pursuing their degrees. AANAPISIs provide critical support to these students, ensuring an equitable access to higher education" said CAPAC Chair Emerita Rep. Judy Chu(CA-28). "President Trump's slashing of MSI funding will rob millions of their shot at the American Dream. This will hurt not only students of color, but also every single student at these higher education institutions, since all students are able to benefit from these programs. This AANAPISI week and always, I will never stop fighting to ensure MSIs and all students, regardless of background, receive the education they deserve."

"During AANAPISI week, we celebrate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions nationwide and the important work they do for our communities," said Senator Hirono. "As this administration actively works to strip hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding from these important institutions, it is more critical than ever that we reaffirm our commitment to supporting them. I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this resolution to recognize the importance of AANAPISIs and the role they play in supporting students-expanding opportunities for our youth, while uplifting and connecting students from diverse backgrounds in Hawaii and across the country" said Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI).

"As a former public school teacher and current member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, I'm glad to be recognizing AANAPISI Week. Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) bridge the gaps in educational opportunities and give underserved communities a fighting chance to succeed - and it is essential that we continue to support and uplift them. Investments in AANAPISIs are investments in the future of our nation and I will continue to fight the Trump administrations illegal attempts to rob AANPI students of the opportunities they deserve. Education is a hallmark of the American Dream that everyone should have equal access to" said CAPAC First Vice Chair, Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41).

"Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions are essential for our communities to access higher education, good jobs and economic opportunities," said CAPAC Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06). "They enroll nearly half of all AANHPI undergraduate students-the majority of whom are low-income, first generation college students-yet the administration is determined to strip millions of dollars in funding for these institutions. It is a betrayal to our communities and will shut millions of families out of the American Dream. As CAPAC Chair, I will continue fighting to ensure every child has the resources they need to succeed."

"I am honored to join our CAPAC colleagues in commemorating Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). I've witnessed how AANAPISI programs are transformative for low-income, first-generation AANHPI students across colleges and universities. These programs don't just close equity gaps; they build empowered leaders rooted in community, culture, and purpose. Investing in AANAPISI strengthens our national economy and workforce, ensuring a more just and prosperous future for all." said Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng the President of Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE).

The bipartisan resolution text is available here.

The resolution has 38 original cosponsors.

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