University of Minnesota receives $1.5 million to support Asian American and Pacific Islander students from a U.S. Department of Education grant
U.S. Department of Education grant to support Asian American students at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus will improve outcomes in academic achievement and post-college success.
With $1.5 million in new funding announced this month from the U.S. Department of Education, University of Minnesota Professor Bic Ngo will expand programming aimed at improving academic experiences and outcomes for Asian American and Pacific Islander students studying at the University’s Twin Cities campus. The Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institutions (AANAPISI) award is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) program. The University is a minority serving institution. The grant is intended to improve and expand the capacity to serve Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders, as well as students whose finances may be stressed and may need additional support.
This is the second AANAPISI grant awarded to Ngo, a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and Human Development. The first grant in 2016 established the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) which provides culturally relevant programming, a study and community space, and tutoring and support services for AAPI students on the Twin Cities campus.
“APARC has been both a community and home for me my entire undergrad experience,” said senior Jenny Tam. “This community has provided me with a welcoming environment to explore my identity, build valuable relationships and mentorships, and has connected me to various opportunities that continue to foster my personal and professional development even as I enter my fourth year.”
The expansion of the project will be implemented by APARC Program Director Kong Her and Peter Limthongviratn, who will continue to support student voices and perspectives in APARC’s programming. The grant will establish a leadership cohort program, a future AAPI teachers program, college access activities, financial literacy and life preparedness workshops, and a data measurement project focused on the AAPI population on campus. The expected outcomes of the project are increased recruitment, retention and graduation of AAPI students across the Twin Cities campus.
“APARC is so important to the University of Minnesota and the larger campus-community because it stands as a pivotal source of students’ sense of belonging to their college/university, especially for students of Asian heritage,” said graduate student and peer mentor Tai Do. “It is not only through the positive connections with APARC staff and community that supports students in feeling valued and appreciated, but the existence of APARC itself. The center shows students that there is a space for them at the University of Minnesota — and that they do belong here.”
About the AANAPISI program
U.S. Department of Education’s Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program provides grants and related assistance to Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions to enable such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders and low-income individuals.
About the Asian Pacific American Resource Center
The Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) is a community committed to affirming the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students and their diverse communities. Be a part of a community that supports you with resources to thrive in college, develop leadership skills, participate in professional development activities, and connect with other AAPI students, while centering your AAPI identity.
About the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota is dedicated to social justice and equity in education. Our students, faculty, and staff are working towards improving educational practices, preparing new teachers for success, and helping students learn while supporting their cultures and identities. The University of Minnesota is considered a Minority-Serving Institution.