Rep. Honda Lauds U.S. Department of Education Announcement of $3.95 Million in Grants to Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions

WASHINGTON DC – Last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced the award of $3.95 million to support colleges and universities through the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program.  Such funding addresses the unique challenges facing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students by supporting projects such as curriculum development, campus construction, lab equipment acquisition, tutoring, distance learning, and Internet service enhancements.

As an active senior member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Honda played a critical role in ensuring that federal funding was directed towards such institutions.  Congressman Honda especially lauded the fact that three of the AANAPISI recipients are Silicon Valley institutions, each receiving nearly $400,000 through the federal program:

“Congratulations to DeAnza Community College, Mission College and San Jose State University for being selected to receive funding through the AANAPISI program,” said Congressman Honda.  “Through this funding, these institutions will continue to serve and address the unique needs of AAPI students in my district. Too often, the educational and professional struggles and barriers facing AAPIs are overlooked because of misperceptions caused by the Model Minority Myth.  I would like to thank Secretary Arne Duncan and the U.S. Department of Education for recognizing and prioritizing the needs of AAPI students nationwide.  I am proud to have worked with the Department to advocate for the establishment and funding of the AANAPISI program. The program helps build a strong educational infrastructure that supports the academic success and leadership of AAPIs, which will provide beneficiaries of the program with the skills necessary to compete in our growing global economy.”  

Jim Nguyen, AANAPISI Program Director at De Anza College, echoed the Congressman’s sentiments:

“We are excited and proud that De Anza has been awarded this new AANAPISI grant. This important funding will strengthen and expand De Anza's capacity to serve underserved students of Asian American Pacific Islanders descent, increase college completion, and provide better career and civic preparation.  We would like to thank Congressman Mike Honda for his tireless support and leadership in expanding educational and vocational opportunities for our communities.”

Charity Bowles, AANAPISI Program Director at Mission College, added:

“Mission College is so honored to be the recipient of this prestigious competitive award twice. This grant will vastly improve our capacity to truly meet the needs of our historically under-represented Asian American and Pacific Islander students, college, community, business/industry, state and national education objectives to increase the graduation and transfer completion rates, especially STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). With the continued commitment of the wonderful Mission College faculty and staff, the inspiration in our students' lives will be long lasting and far reaching, and deeply impact the community. And definitely, the unwavering support from Representative Honda and his staff was, and is, immeasurable in not only making these grants available but solidifying our connection with the AAPI community.”