The Asian Pacific American Resource Center At The University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities Celebrates Grand Opening
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities celebrated the grand opening of the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC), a new student resource center dedicated to supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students in their college journey at the University of Minnesota. More than 200 people came to see the new 1,500 square foot space and learn about the center’s work with students.
“The new center is really a campus and community resource that couldn’t have been made possible without the strong support of University leadership, the College of Education and Human Development, and the College of Liberal Arts,” said APARC Program Director, Kong Her.
APARC provides a variety of resources and programs for AAPI students to obtain academic support, mentorship, leadership development, and strengthen their AAPI identities. APARC is in its second year of programming and the new center will help APARC reach and serve more AAPI students on campus.
“I found a second home at APARC. The APARC community has given me the resources and tools necessary to succeed throughout my undergraduate career, and has taught me to become unapologetic and proud of my AAPI identity,” said Zandra Phouisangiem, APARC student ambassador.
The University of Minnesota was designated as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) in April 2016 by the Department of Education, and received a federal grant to develop greater capacity for serving AAPI students on campus. APARC is an initiative of the AANAPISI grant that aims to increase the academic success of underserved AAPI student groups, raise awareness of issues affecting AAPI student communities, and support the work of the university to create a more inclusive community. The philosophy of APARC is to engage students in thinking about how their AAPI identities shape their college experiences, future goals, and engagement with the larger community. APARC’s goal is for students to develop a positive sense of self and contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
For collaboration opportunities and to learn about APARC resources and programs, please visit aparc.umn.edu or stop by the center located at Apple Hall 311 on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus.
About The Asian Pacific American Resource Center
APARC cultivates a community committed to education and AAPI empowerment. The University of Minnesota works to support AAPI students thrive in college and beyond, affirm their AAPI identities, and develop skills to become leaders in their communities. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
