Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does AANAPISI stand for?
It stands for Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution. It recognizes Pacific Islanders as native and indigenous groups in the Pacific Islands, such as (in the U.S. Jurisdictions & Territories) Carolinian, Chamorro, Chuukese, Fijian, Guamanian, Hawaiian, Kosraean, Marshallese, Native Hawaiian, Niuean, Palauan, Pohnpeian, Samoan, Tokelauan, Tongan, and Yapese.
What is the purpose of the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program?
The AANAPISI program provides discretionary grants to eligible institutions of higher education (IHEs) to enable them to improve their academic quality, increase their self-sufficiency, and strengthen their capacity to make a substantial contribution to the higher education resources of the Nation. At the time of application, IHEs applying for funds under the AANAPISI program must have an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Asian American or Native American-Pacific Islander. North Seattle College received its first AANAPISI grant in 2021.
Does AANAPISI serve non-AAPI students?
Yes, we serve everyone! Our practice is to provide culturally-relevant services. Interested in joining AANAPISI? Click here!
How can I make an appointment with the AANAPISI Navigator?
Please email AANAPISI Navigator Jordan Veniegas at jordan.veniegas@seattlecolleges.edu.
What is the Asian & Pacific Islander Center (APIC)?
The Asian & Pacific Islander Center (APIC) is a centralized gathering space where all students, particularly Asian American, Pacific Islander, and other underserved students, can connect to build community and seek academic and other support, all with a culturally-relevant approach. We are located in College Center (CC) 1360 and open Monday-Thursday from 9:00AM-5:00PM (not open on Fridays). If you have any questions, please stop and talk to a Peer Mentor or AANAPISI Staff.
To find out more about the amenities APIC offers, please click here.
Where are AANAPISI Staff's offices?
AANAPISI staff can be found in College Center (CC) 1260 - just a short walk down from the APIC Center! Our office is open in-person Monday-Thursday from 9:00-5:00PM and virtual/by appointment on Fridays.
What does the AANAPISI logo mean?
Our logo is inspired by the story tellers of our people, the resiliency or our communities, the expansiveness of cultures, and the healing power of our 'ike (knowledge). The Seattle College campus at South, Central, and North are represented within this image of 3 waves. The weaving movements speak of the intergenerational strengths and knowledge that has been passed down through our ancestors to help us navigate our seasons of life and the high and low tides of our voyages as we set sail. Our logo also speaks to the connective fibers that reconnect us to our past, the intentions that root us in our present, and our abilities to re-imagine a thriving future four ourselves, families, and communities. The logo speaks to the care that our AANAPISI programs continue to weave into the lives of students, faculty, and staff as we work to amplify, uplift, empower, honor, and celebrate our Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) communities.
Mahalo nui to Jordan Veniegas at North Seattle College, Jeff Bermudes and Chrsitine Ma at Central Seattle College, Rachel Navarro at South Seattle College, and Ana Bungag for the care she put into visually telling a chapter of our story.
Can I still meet with AANAPISI staff?
Unfortunately, no. With the conclusion of the AANAPISI grant, AANAPISI staff positions have ended, and staff are no longer serving in their former roles. Students seeking support, guidance, or community connections are encouraged to connect with other campus programs and staff, such as program navigators in BE-STEM, ACO, Seattle Promise, and other student support services. These programs continue to provide resources, referrals, and opportunities to help students navigate their educational journey.
Why is AANAPISI no longer operating at North?
The AANAPISI program at North Seattle College was funded through a five-year federal grant that concluded at the end of the grant cycle on September 30, 2026. While the grant-funded program has officially ended, the work, partnerships, and initiatives developed through AANAPISI continue on through the Office of Access, Community, and Opportunity (ACO), the Student Learning Center (SLC), and the Culturally Responsive Training (CRT) Committee.
How can I still be involved in affinity-based programs like AANAPISI?
Students can continue to participate in affinity-based programming through Student Collectives, which are student-led groups supported by the Office of Access, Community, and Opportunity (ACO). Student Collectives bring together students who share a culture, identity, or background and are designed to foster belonging, retention, health, and well-being through community-building. Through ongoing monthly meetings, peer mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and culturally responsive programs and events, Collectives create supportive spaces where students can build relationships, grow as leaders, celebrate their identities, and engage meaningfully with the college community.