Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) college students are a very diverse group. This group includes over 50 cultural backgrounds, such as Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Indian. A Pew Research Center study found that California, New York, Texas, Washington, and New Jersey are the states with the most AAPI residents.
As an AAPI student, college life can be stressful, from issues with the campus climate and discrimination to feeling isolated or unmotivated. Your college journey will no doubt be filled with both challenges and successes. This guide aims to help AAPI students find the best resources both on and off campus.
These strategies will help you build a strong network of peers, faculty, and community professionals who will support you in your college years. The purpose of these tips and resources is to help enhance your college experience and contribute to your personal and academic success.
Key Statistics
- In 2021, 15.4 million students enrolled in college or university, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Of these students, 1.1 million were Asian, 41,000 were Pacific Islander, and 663,100 identified with two or more ethnicities.
- Between 2010 and 2021, enrollment increased among Asian students by 7%. Enrollment for White, Black, and Pacific Islander students during the same time period decreased significantly.
- Asian Americans are a diverse and growing population. A Pew Research Center survey showed that the Asian population in the U.S. is expected to reach 35 million by 2024. It almost doubled from 2000 to 2019.
- The same study found that about 65% of Asian people born in the U.S. speak English at home, and 27% live in multigenerational households.
- More than half of Asian Americans over the age of 25 (54%) have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 33% of the general public in the same age bracket.
- Another study conducted by the New American Economy Research Fund found that 54% of AAPI Americans have a college degree, compared to 1 out of 3 for the general public.
- AAPI immigrants who arrived less than 5 years ago have the highest rates of educational attainment, with 66% having graduated from college.
Challenges for AAPI College Students
As a college student in the AAPI community, you may face unique challenges. Choosing an inclusive campus environment with culturally appropriate support services that foster dialogue will help you navigate your questions and concerns.
Here are several challenges you may face as an AAPI college student:
Model Minority Myth
In the 1960s, during the civil rights movement, Asian Americans were labeled as a ‘model minority’, creating the stereotype that they were a uniform block of high-achieving, intelligent, well-off, and hardworking individuals. Yet, in a 2023 survey, Asian Americans expressed a different reality. A report by the New American Economy Research Fund found that there are differences between each AAPI community when it comes to income and academic success.
For example, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Nepalese people are the most likely to not have a high school diploma. Bangladeshi people have the highest rate of poverty among AAPI groups (19.1%). While 45% of Taiwanese Americans have a Bachelor’s degree, Pacific Islanders and Laotians are less likely to complete college (12.8% and 13.2%, respectively). College students who identify as AAPI come from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences. The pressure many college students feel due to the ‘model minority’ stereotype can hurt their academic performance and mental health.
Mental Health Risks
The high expectations of college life and academic performance can lead to anxiety and stress for AAPI students. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Community Health found that young Asian Indian, Cambodian, Chinese, Indonesian, Korean, Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese people often prefer to reach out for professional help to talk about their mental health problems instead of using their personal support networks.
AAPI college students can sometimes feel isolated from their close friends, partners, or religious community while attending college. The stigma associated with mental health can prevent them from reaching out, and in some cases, they may not know where to access confidential support in a culturally appropriate way. This guide explores several programs and initiatives to help raise awareness and reduce isolation.
Microaggressions and Discrimination
Racial stereotypes and microaggressions can be common both inside and outside the classroom. Microaggressions are verbal or nonverbal slights that can harm a person from a marginalized community, according to the Cleveland Clinic’s interim Executive Director of the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Diana Gueits.
These negative experiences can influence a student’s sense of belonging and self-esteem, affecting confidence and willingness to participate in day-to-day activities. Discrimination can be harmful to mental health and lead to higher levels of stress. In recent years, Asian Americans have reported a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination; 61% report experiencing daily discrimination, such as being treated with less courtesy or being threatened or harassed, according to the American Psychological Association.
Challenges for International Students
International AAPI students may face unique challenges during their first year of college, including some of the following:
Limited Social Network: Moving to a new country can be difficult without your social circle to lean on for help. Having people to talk to when things get stressful can provide emotional support. In these cases, technology becomes vital to maintaining connections with family and friends, whether it’s through video calls or texting. Regular visits back home can provide a sense of stability and grounding, but this may not be possible for everyone, depending on financial resources.
Cultural Adjustment: For AAPI students who are first-generation immigrants or have recently arrived to the US, adjusting to new cultural norms and expectations can be a challenge. These students may need to navigate new academic or work expectations and communication styles and could find it challenging to find familiar foods or day-to-day products. Building social connections and finding a sense of community on campus can foster a sense of belonging and provide moments to engage with your peers and make new friends.
Financial Concerns: Many international college students struggle with financial challenges, such as high tuition fees, affordable housing, and other expenses associated with post-secondary studies abroad. Having limited financial resources can impact someone’s ability to complete their degree, and they may need to look for work to boost their income, taking attention and time away from their academics.
Tips for AAPI College Students
Accessing services and programs that support your journey can be challenging in the first year of college. However, most colleges help with a range of needs, including scholarship applications, job search, counseling and medical care, and academic and writing assistance.
Below are some strategies you can use to reduce the pressures and emotional stress of college life and develop a strong support system:
Expand Your Social Circle
Connect with student organizations
Many colleges and universities have AAPI student associations or clubs. Joining these groups can provide a sense of community and support, allowing you to take part in events and feel a sense of belonging.
Stay connected with family and friends
Seek out mentors by introducing yourself to professors, teaching assistants, and college staff who can provide guidance and advice during your college journey. Senior or graduate students can also give valuable insight into institutional processes.
Prioritize Mental Health
Use on-campus resources
Familiarize yourself with campus resources, such as multicultural centers, counseling services, academic and writing support centers, and sports facilities. These resources can assist with emotional, academic, and physical needs or issues.
Prioritize self-care
Prioritize your mental and physical wellness during your college journey. Post-secondary education can be demanding. Learning about and using mindfulness or meditation techniques, signing up for a new hobby or an activity you enjoy, and getting regular exercise can help you manage your stress and maintain balance in your life.
Celebrate achievements
Celebrating achievements and milestones is critical to staying motivated and focused. Author Cambria Pilger notes that making time to recognize your hard work and sharing your successes with others can help you celebrate big milestones and acknowledge progress.
Use Your Voice
Get Involved
AAPI students may face a lack of representation in curriculum, faculty, and campus leadership positions. This can contribute to feelings of invisibility, isolation, and a lack of support for their unique needs and experiences. Participate in heritage months and join discussion or support groups that talk about AAPI issues and experiences.
Challenge Microaggressions and Stereotypes
Stereotypes and microaggressions can negatively impact your college experience. Knowing how to address and respond to these challenges assertively and constructively is essential. Getting involved in initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus can feel empowering. Advocate for greater representation of AAPI perspectives by joining student associations and committees.
Speak Up in Class
Contributing to discussions and sharing your opinions and experience can bring a fresh perspective to the classroom. Learning to use your voice can bring attention to AAPI-related issues and reduce the use of stereotypes and misrepresentations. Speak up in class to promote more understanding. Your experiences are valuable.
More Strategies to Use Your Voice
Engage in Activism
- Use your social media presence to bring greater awareness to AAPI issues and share resources with others.
- Mobilize support for causes you care about and sign up for events and informative channels, groups, and pages.
- Amplify AAPI voices by contributing to online conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion.
Participate in Student Government
- Consider running for a student government position and developing your leadership skills.
- Join committees where you can influence campus policies and advocate for the needs of AAPI students.
- Work collaboratively with fellow student leaders to effect positive change.
Organize Events and Initiatives
- Collaborate with fellow students to organize events.
- Sign up for workshops and social justice campaigns focused on AAPI awareness.
- Address topics such as cultural identity, representation, and social justice to encourage meaningful dialogue.
Remember That Your Voice Matters
- Actively participate in campus life by using available resources and programs.
- Stay informed and engaged and advocate for positive change within your campus community to empower others.
Resources for AAPI College Students
There are several national and state organizations dedicated to supporting Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) college students. Local associations or non-profits may also be active in your community. Here are several resources you should consider:
On-Campus Resources
Take advantage of campus resources, such as diversity and inclusion offices, multicultural centers, and student advocacy groups. These resources can provide support, guidance, and opportunities to amplify your voice. Engage in student organizations, clubs, and activities that align with your interests and values. Join AAPI student associations where you can connect with peers who share similar experiences and concerns.
Alumni Associations: Connect with AAPI alumni organizations both on and off campus to seek mentorship and guidance. Stay informed about opportunities for getting involved to strengthen advocacy efforts and make a broader impact.
AAPI Student Organizations: Student-run AAPI organizations, social or sports clubs, and AAPI groups can help you build a community and find information and resources to support you during challenging times. These organizations often host college events, workshops, and gatherings on and off campus.
Academic Support Services: Like all college students, AAPI scholars may occasionally need support with academic work, research, or writing. Most campuses offer tutoring, study groups, and skill-building workshops. These services can help you excel academically and navigate the challenges of your course assignments and exams.
Counseling and Mental Health Services: On-campus counseling centers and mental health initiatives are often tailored to student life and offer culturally relevant support. Their services may include individual counseling, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, support groups, workshops on mental health and wellness, and strategies for reducing stress and anxiety.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Colleges and universities typically have a financial assistance office that can offer guidance on applying for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. There may be scholarships and awards specifically for AAPI students. These resources can help reduce your financial burden.
Career Services: Career centers may offer assistance, such as internship opportunities, part-time jobs, networking with employers, and career development workshops. These services can be useful for exploring your career path or getting professional experience, and they will increase your chances of connecting with employers in your field.
International Student Services: For AAPI students who are international students, many universities and colleges provide support with immigration regulations, cultural integration, language classes, and other services that can support your academic success.
Off-Campus Resources
There are many resources and programs available to AAPI college students off campus. Here are a few national and state initiatives, as well as ideas to connect with local groups and services.
National AAPI Organizations
- Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF): APIASF is the largest non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and support to AAPI students pursuing higher education.
- National Asian and Pacific Islander Council: an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges committed to Asian and Pacific Islander students
- Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA): While primarily focused on journalism, AAJA offers resources, networking opportunities, and scholarships for AAPI students interested in media-related fields.
- National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF): NAPAWF is a social justice organization that advocates for the rights and empowerment of AAPI women and girls through leadership development.
- East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU): ECAASU is a student-run organization that promotes awareness of social issues AAPI college students experience. They host an annual conference and provide resources and advocacy for students living on the East Coast.
- Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus: The caucus advocates and discusses key priorities for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
State Organizations
- California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC): The caucus seeks to increase Asian Pacific Islander participation and representation in government and advocates for policy changes that benefit AAPI communities. The caucus prioritizes confronting the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination and addressing systemic inequities.
- Hawai'i Women’s Legislative Caucus: This caucus in the Hawai'i state legislature focuses on addressing the needs and concerns of AAPI women, including promoting initiatives related to higher education and political participation.
- New York State Asian Pacific American Task Force: This task force works to address issues affecting AAPI communities in New York state, including education, and provides resources and support for AAPI college students.
- Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA): CAPAA is a state agency in Washington dedicated to advocating for AAPI communities and addressing their needs, including ensuring community voices are heard.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL): AJSOCAL is a civil rights advocacy group working to eliminate discrimination and provide free legal services for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Southern California.
Local Organizations
- Asian American Pacific Islander Cultural Centers: Many medium and large cities have cultural centers that are dedicated to serving AAPI students. These centers provide a welcoming atmosphere for college students and host events and programs that allow you to connect with peers, engage in cultural activities, and receive support from qualified professionals who understand your needs and experiences.
- Multicultural Events and Programming: Many communities host multicultural events, festivals, and community activities to celebrate heritage months. Diversity celebrations may showcase AAPI culture and history and are a fun way to get involved and meet new people. These events are often organized by municipalities or by community organizations.
- Mentorship Programs: You can find local and regional mentorship programs that allow you to connect with professionals in your academic discipline and get hands-on experience and knowledge.
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- The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) offers a Senior Mentor Program that matches ASME NEXT members with senior journalist mentors based on their interests.
- The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) program pairs AAPI students with faculty, staff, or upperclassmen who can provide guidance, support, and advice on academics and career planning in the theater industry.
- The New York Foundation for the Arts Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program pairs immigrant artists with like-minded mentors.
- Pair Houston is a non-profit youth mentorship program that services a diverse population of first-generation immigrants and refugees.
- The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) offers a Senior Mentor Program that matches ASME NEXT members with senior journalist mentors based on their interests.
These organizations offer information and support to college students searching for scholarships and mentorship programs, and they offer opportunities to get involved in advocacy efforts, network with AAPI leaders, and develop your skills.
AAPI-Friendly Campuses
Deciding on the right college as an Asian American or Pacific Islander student depends on the support services, academic programs, campus culture, and community resources and opportunities available.
Here are some colleges and universities in the United States known for their strong support for AAPI students:
- Stanford University: Stanford has a robust AAPI program through Student Affairs, offering various resources, such as cultural organizations, the Asian American Studies Program, and support services through the Asian American Activities Center.
- University of California, Berkeley: UC Berkeley has a vibrant AAPI community with numerous student organizations, cultural centers, and resources dedicated to supporting AAPI students. Their Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution Program offers programming and services to promote cultural awareness and academic success.
- University of California, Los Angeles: UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center services the diverse AAPI student population and provides extensive resources and cultural events. The campus is well-known for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- University of California, San Diego: UCSD is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion and offers programs and resources such as the Asian Pacific Islander Student Alliance and the Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American Resource Center (APIMEDA).
- University of Hawaii, Manoa: The University of Hawaii Manoa campus offers a unique environment for AAPI students to explore their cultural heritage through the AANAPISI and TIDES programs. The campus also provides resources and support to college and high school students.
- University of Washington, Seattle: The University of Washington has a strong AAPI community and provides resources through the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center, which offers programs, services, and support for underrepresented students, including AAPI students. It provides culturally sensitive services through its Counseling Services.
- Rutgers University, New Brunswick: Rutgers University has an active AAPI student body and provides programming through the Asian American Cultural Center. The center hosts leadership development events and works to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students.
These are just a few examples of AAPI-friendly campuses. Researching other colleges and universities across the United States can help you find campuses with strong support systems and vibrant communities for AAPI students. Prospective students need to do their research before applying to an institution to find the best fit for their needs and interests.
How to be an AAPI Ally
The model minority myth is a harmful stereotype that suggests all individuals of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent are universally successful, well-educated, and financially affluent. This can undermine the experiences of AAPI communities and perpetuate systemic problems. Supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander students and their families requires self-reflection, learning, and a commitment to action.
As an AAPI ally, there are many ways you can create a safe, supportive, and inclusive campus climate. Acting in solidarity with people who experience discrimination and challenging the model minority myth are just two strategies you can use. Allyship includes the actions, behaviors, and practices that individuals can take to advocate for and amplify the voices of marginalized people.
Below are several more tips for those who want to be an ally for AAPI students:
- Start with Self-Reflection: Being an ally means examining your privilege, power, biases, and access available to you. Educate yourself on the issues.
- Amplifying Underrepresented Voices: Elevate the voices and stories of AAPI individuals, including those facing poverty, discrimination, and other challenges. This can be done through media representation, storytelling platforms, and community initiatives.
- Raising Awareness: Raise awareness about the history and implications of stereotypes and discrimination by getting active in educational campaigns, workshops, and discussions.
- Advocate for Policy Reform: Advocate for policies and initiatives that address the diverse needs of AAPI college students, including discrimination, social exclusion, economic hardship, language barriers, and the need for systemic change. Support the efforts of AAPI students in promoting equity and social justice.
- Representation: Avoid misrepresentations and stereotypical portrayals of AAPI individuals in the media and literature. Advocate for greater representation behind the scenes as well, including research and guest speakers in the classroom.
- Celebrate Successes: Celebrate the achievements and contributions of AAPI individuals and communities, while acknowledging the resilience and strength demonstrated in overcoming obstacles.
By taking a multi-faceted approach to tackling systemic issues, you can promote awareness and amplify AAPI voices on campus and in your community.
Resources
Busting the Model Minority Myth
Pew Research Center Study: ‘Asian Americans Are Fastest Growing Ethnic Group in the U.S.’
Model Minority Myth: Disparities Among AAPI Communities in Education and Income Persist
Report: ‘2020, reported anti-Asian hate crimes increased 149%’
References
National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). Undergraduate Enrollment. Condition of Education. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved [date], from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cha.
Budiman, Abby, & Ruiz, Neil. (2021, April 29). Key facts about Asian Americans, a diverse and growing population. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/04/29/key-facts-about-asian-americans/
New American Economy Research Fund. (2021, May 13). Examining Educational, Workforce, and Earning Divides in the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community. https://research.newamericaneconomy.org/report/aapi-examine-educational-workforce-earning-divides/
Lee, S., Juon, HS., Martinez, G. et al. Model Minority at Risk: Expressed Needs of Mental Health by Asian American Young Adults. J Community Health 34, 144–152 (2009). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296234/
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, February 1). What Are Microaggressions? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-microaggressions-and-examples
American Psychological Association. (2016, March 10). Stress in America: The Impact of Discrimination. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2015/impact
Kunzler, Lyndsey. (2022). Mindfulness in University Students: A Tool for Managing Stress.” Family Perspectives, 4 (Iss. 1). https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/familyperspectives/vol4/iss1/2
Pilger, Cambria. (2024). Collegiate Parent, https://www.collegiateparent.com/family-life/celebrating-the-little-successes/
aMedia. 2000. "Best Colleges for Asian Americans." Asian-Nation: The Landscape of Asian America. <best-colleges.shtml> (March 23, 2024). https://www.asian-nation.org/best-colleges.shtml