Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI)

About AANAPISI

Since 2023, the University of Colorado Denver has been federally designated as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) by the U.S. Department of Education—a recognition awarded to institutions committed to expanding access and improving outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and low-income students.

As one of the Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) designations established under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, CU Denver’s AANAPISI status reflects our commitment to educational equity, student success, and inclusive excellence.

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Mission Statement

CU Denver’s AANAPISI Initiative is dedicated to cultivating a strong sense of belonging by implementing research-informed strategies, expanding culturally responsive support services, and strengthening mental health and academic resources that reflect the unique and diverse experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) students.

Aligned with the national goals of the AANAPISI program, we strive to:

Improve retention and graduation rates among first-generation, low-income, and AA and NHPI students.
Support comprehensive student development and culturally informed leadership growth.
Create inclusive spaces that celebrate and elevate AANHPI identities, traditions, and narratives.
Challenge harmful stereotypes and misconceptions by amplifying the voices, narratives, and lived experiences of our students.

More Information

In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) approved the CU Denver | Anschutz application to become an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. As part of that application, the DOE awarded a $1.8 million student success grant.

Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions about this initial grant and how faculty may apply for additional grants.

Although AANAPISIs represent just 6% of colleges and universities nationwide, they enroll over 40% of all Asian American and Pacific Islander undergraduates. Additionally, 75% of low-income AANHPI students attend an AANAPISI. These institutions and the programs they support provide critical resources for students and help cultivate a vibrant, culturally enriched campus community.

Through AANAPISI, CU Denver joins a national network of institutions committed to closing opportunity gaps, advancing equity in higher education, and preparing the next generation of diverse leaders.

To be eligible for this grant, the Higher Education Act (HEA) requires that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students comprise at least 10% of an institution’s undergraduate enrollment during the semester the proposal is submitted. When CU Denver applied in Spring 2022, data from the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) showed that 13% of our dual-campus undergraduate population identified as Asian American and 1% as Pacific Islander—exceeding the eligibility requirement.

The $1.8 million grant will fund the following initiatives:

- A student action research team will develop a data-driven understanding of the challenges and barriers AANHPI students face in higher education and identify effective strategies to support their success.

- An analysis-driven content creation team dedicated to producing materials that support student success and mental health, while amplifying student voices and narratives.

- Expansion of dual-enrollment Ethnic Studies courses at area high schools.

- A cross-cultural peer mentorship initiative that fosters culturally informed, identity-affirming support through structured mentor training, data-driven evaluation, and intentional mentor-mentee matching to enhance student belonging, academic success, and community connection.

Access and Campus Engagement

CU Denver

Lawrence Street Center

1380 Lawrence Street

Denver, CO 80204

[email protected]

303.315.2123

Center for Access and Campus Engagement Services

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Access and Campus Engagement

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI)

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Mission Statement

More Information

Access and Campus Engagement

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI)

Events

Mission Statement

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Why AANAPISI Matters

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What does the grant fund?

Access and Campus Engagement