I was reading this down at AsianWeek, and in addition to just being good news for students in college who need some help, it's also recognition - at a somewhat basic needs level - that the Asian American community isn't one homogeneous A+ ivy league bound mind meld - and I like that.
We need that.
Instrumental in the genesis of AAPI serving institution program were Congressman David Wu (D-Ore.) and Congressman Mike Honda (D-Calif.), chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.Read it in full.
“For too long, harmful stereotypes have clouded the needs of our community,” said Congressman Honda. “Through the AAPI Serving Institutions designation, the challenges of our low-income and underserved communities will finally be recognized at a federal level, and this designation is just a beginning. In addition to student support services, curriculum development, research and other improvements at designated schools, the designation will provide a foundation for resources, funding and outreach from the federal government to our underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander communities through important community partners. This is big step for our community.”