As an AANAPISI (Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution) grant recipient, ELEVATE AAPI goal is to close the gaps in academic achievement and transfer among students at Irvine Valley College by focusing on subgroups that are historically underrepresented in higher education. Our integrated activities, pathway and services are designed to provide educational experiences that support and challenge our students.
ELEVATE AAPI is a community of students from diverse cultures coming together to elevate one another to reach their fullest potential. We have a dedicated Asian American and Pacific Islander student support service team ready to empower students to achieve success academically and personally.
Our program aims to provide support to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students looking for a community and place to belong at IVC.
Our team of individuals work together to serve our students holistically, including providing dedicated courses, academic counseling, peer mentoring, cultural/social activities, and book assistance. Our goal is to have you join our family. We believe that once you feel like you belong, the more you are determined to accomplish your goals.
While there are multiple program activities and events that open to the campus community, we also have intentional, targeted opportunities for our AAPI students.
Why focus on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders?
In many ways, Asian Americans have done remarkably well in achieving "the American dream" of getting a good education, working at a good job, and achieving upward socioeconomic mobility. So much so that the image many have of Asian Americans is that they are the "model minority" — a bright, shining example of hard work and patience whose example other minority groups should follow. However, the practical reality is slightly more complicated. The truth is that the Asian American community is a diverse body, made up of a multiplicity of ethnic groups. Each of these groups takes pride in its own specific cultural identity and negotiates its own complicated set of strengths and challenges. However, because Asian America is often clumped together, the whole Asian American and Pacific Islander community is generalized, overlooked, underrepresented, and often misrepresented. This oversight can prevent institutions from recognizing, addressing, and meeting each group’s specific needs. ELEVATE AAPI @ IVC seeks to create awareness while addressing the unique challenges of our AAPI population.
For more information about this community, please visit the Growing Influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders