The inaugural California Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Student Achievement Program (AANHPI SAP) Summit on February 23 at California State University (CSU), Sacramento, brought together practitioners, leaders, students, and advocates from across systems to strengthen collaboration and highlight the impact of AANHPI efforts.

The summit centered on the theme “Serving AANHPI Communities in Higher Education: From Recognition to Transformation,” guided a day of panels, workshops, and community-building sessions focused on improving student experiences and outcomes.

Participants from California community colleges and California State Universities explored shared challenges, exchanged practices, and deepened their understanding of how culturally responsive programming can support AANHPI and underserved student success. Throughout the day, speakers and facilitators emphasized the importance of coordinated statewide strategies, culturally grounded student services, and the role of institutional partnerships in advancing equity. Keynotes, plenary discussions, and breakout conversations highlighted the importance of data-informed approaches, the growing movement of ANNHPI-Serving Institution designation, and the need to expand Asian American Studies and NHPI-centered supports across campuses. The summit reinforced that meaningful institutional change is strongest when student perspectives are elevated and integrated into intersegmental efforts.

“It was powerful to see CCCs, CSUs, UCs, community partners, and students come together to share ideas and align around a shared responsibility to those we serve. This summit marked a significant step toward sustained, coordinated action across California’s higher education systems. We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing a system grounded in culturally responsive programming, informed by data, and centered on ensuring AANHPI and underserved students across California thrive. This gathering demonstrated that real transformation happens when our institutions operate not in silos, but as an aligned statewide ecosystem committed to long-term change.” — Zahra Alfalak-Porter, Program Manager, CCC AANHPI SAP

This event was a collaboration with the California Community Colleges AANHPI SAP (CCC AANHPI SAP), CSU Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Student Achievement Program (CSU ASAP), California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA), and the Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE). Each plays a vital role in statewide advocacy, policy alignment, and professional development for practitioners serving AANHPI communities. This joint summit reflects the statewide movement to strengthen collaboration across institutions and ensure that AANHPI and underserved students across California are seen, supported, and empowered.

Since its inception, the CCC AANHPI SAP has worked to expand culturally affirming support systems and improve educational outcomes for AANHPI students across the California Community College system. FoundationCCC serves as the program’s central hub, allowing greater flexibility in assisting colleges in developing statewide partnerships, advocacy efforts, and services.

Learn more about the California AANHPI Student Achievement Program >