Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution (AANAPISI) is a federal Minority Serving Institution designation from the U.S. Department of Education. It recognizes colleges and universities where at least 10% of the student population identifies as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. Virginia Tech is one of five AANAPISIs in Virginia and was awarded a U.S. Department of Education grant to support these student populations in 2023.

The AANAPISI Initiative at Virginia Tech is a collaborative effort between the APIDA + Center and the Ati: Wa:oki Indigenous Community Center. Funded by a five-year, $2 million U.S. Department of Education grant, the initiative supports more than 1,300 students, faculty, staff, and community members annually through 60+ programs.

AANAPISI programs are organized across five core areas designed to foster academic success, well-being, and leadership:

• Academic Support: Individual peer tutoring, group review sessions, and academic skill-building opportunities (e.g., Let’s Lock In).
• Wellness Programs: Culturally grounded offerings focused on mental health, financial literacy, physical activity, destressing with crafts, and community building through intentionally designed and implemented programs created by professional staff and student leaders (e.g., Tea at Two, Roots to Wellness, Navigating Adulthood, etc.).
• Professional Development and Conferences: Skill-based workshops and funding support for student participation in professional conferences (e.g., Association for Asian American Studies, Yale South Asian Youth Initiative, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, etc.).
• Student Leadership Development: Retreats and community-building programs focused on cultivating student leaders and increasing awareness about AAPI experiences and identity.
• Faculty Development: Initiatives such as the AANAPISI Faculty Development Cohort that promote inclusive teaching practices, mentorship, and research engagement.

AANAPISI Staff

Resources

• AANAPISI Initiative at Virginia Tech - VT News
• EducationUSA AANAPISI Fact Sheet
• APAHE AANAPISI Resources
• Official Federal Program and Grant Information
• APIA Scholars