Hirono, Chu recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week

US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and US Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions Week, from September 27-October 3, 2026. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students.

“In Hawaiʻi and nationwide, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions help students thrive in the classroom and prepare them for success after graduation,” said Hirono. “By establishing AANAPISI Week, this resolution celebrates diversity in education and recognizes these institutions and the services they provide.”

Since its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions serving AANHPI undergraduate students to help expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll 46 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award over 50 percent of the associate degrees and nearly 45% of the bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country.

This resolution comes days after the Trump Administration diverted an additional $235 million in federal funding that Congress designated for Minority-Serving Institutions, according to supporters.

Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI students in Hawaiʻi, the US, and Pacific Island nations and territories. She has introduced this legislation every year since 2022, leading a bicameral coalition to designate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions Week.

In May, the US Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Hirono marking May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In February, Hirono held a spotlight forum titled, “ED’s Attacks on Minority Students: Defunding Programs, Limiting Opportunities.” A companion resolution was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Mark Takano (D-CA).