Overview
Cañada College is an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). AANAPISI is a federal designation from the United States Department of Education. A community college is designated an AANAPISI when at least 10% of the student population identifies as AANHPI and least 50% are Pell-eligible. AANAPISI-designated institutions are eligible to apply to receive grants and related assistance to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian American, Native American Pacific Islanders, and low-income students.
Funded by the AANAPISI federally-funded Title 3 ARC grant and the Foundations for California Community College’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Student Achievement Program funds, the AANHPI S.T.A.R. (Success, Transfer, Access, Relevance) initiative supports access, persistence, transfer and completion through culturally responsive support. Programs include S.T.A.R. Learning Community (coming Spring 2025!), transfer pathway workshops, transfer peer mentors and culturally relevant events, activities and professional development. Programs are opened to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, first-generation and low-income students.
AANHPI S.T.A.R. (Success, Transfer, Access, Relevance) Goals
- Success: removing systemic barriers and centering the student’s identities to support and empower students to define their own success.
- Transfer: providing the student with culturally aligned transfer support.
- Access: centering the Ethnic Studies lens to respond to educational equities and to challenge Eurocentric curriculum.
- Relevance: transforming campus climate, culture and curriculum by prioritizing wellness and hope.
Pillar: Access and Persistence
- Strategy #1: S.T.A.R Learning Community (coming Spring 2025)
- Strategy #2: AANHPI Leadership Development
- Strategy #3: Co-curricular cultural events and experiences
Pillar: Transfer and Completion
- Strategy #1: STAR Peer Mentors
- Strategy #2: Culturally responsive transfer workshops/support, cultural events and activities
- Strategy #3: Professional Development
