Act for APARC
A Student-Led Initiative to Sustain the Asian Pacific American Resource Center
Closure of APARC
On September 10, 2025, the Department of Education announced the termination of discretionary funding for the AANAPISI program as part of its cancellation of all Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs. Since 2015, AANAPISI grant awards have been a critical funding source for the Asian Pacific American Resource Center’s (APARC) staffing and programming, directly supporting academic successes and opportunities, well-being, and retention of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, as well as enriching the experiences of many non-AAPI students across the University.The UMNTC is designated as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) by the U.S. Department of Education. Since APARC’s opening in 2016, more than 18,800 students have entered, with an average of 2,300 visits per year, offering academic, cultural, and institutional support while fostering leadership and community engagement. APARC staff have worked diligently with university leadership to identify pathways for sustaining the center through institutional funds. However, to date, there has been no clear or urgent commitment to ensuring APARC’s long-term sustainability. This lack of action places an essential campus resource at risk during this moment when AAPI students need institutional support more than ever.
What is APARC?
Located in Appleby Hall, Room 311, the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) is a community committed to education and affirming Asian American and Pacific Islander identity, culture, and heritage. We center sense of belonging, growth, and empowerment for students to thrive during college and beyond. APARC is a space for all students, embracing community, diversity, and respect. APARC has provided:1. Mentorship and leadership development programs that support first-generation and immigrant students in navigating higher education.2. Culturally responsive workshops and community events that foster belonging, identity affirmation, and visibility.3. Financial wellness and literacy programming that connects students to scholarships, internships, and economic resources.4. Community outreach efforts that connect students with local organizations across the Twin Cities to enhance student engagement and professional opportunities.5. Funds to compensate adjunct faculty for UMN courses to support student success and research.
Act for APARC
Act for APARC is a student-led initiative, including undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, to institutionalize APARC at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMNTC). We seek:1. Immediate Institutional Funding and Support: Commit to permanently fund the standing and restructure of APARC.2. Retention of Staff and Services: Staff positions, programming and operational needs funded by the grant must be continued without disruption.3. Transparent Funding Plan Shared with the Public: Disclose identification of responsible offices and decision-makers, and to Include AAPI respective representative students, staff, and community stakeholders in the future decision-making processes.4. APARC’s Essential Campus Infrastructure: Affirm APARC’s current space rather than treating it as supplemental or expendable.
Get Involved
1. Sign the Petition
2. Share Your Story
3. Organize With Us!
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