By Christianne Smith, CSU Public Affairs and Communications

CSU campuses have developed programs to support the health and wellness of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students.

The U.S. Department of Education granted three CSU campuses – Fresno, Long Beach and Sacramento – a total of $4.7 million to expand their capacity to serve AAPI and low-income students. The grant comes during an alarming rise in xenophobia and anti-Asian hate crimes, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“In addition to the hate incidents and discrimination, the AAPI community is also facing a rise in hospitalization and death rates, business closures, unemployment and mental health challenges during the global pandemic,” says Barbara Kim, Ph.D., professor, chair and advisor in the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at Cal State Long Beach. 

“The pandemic has revealed existing vulnerabilities and disparities in our communities, including for AAPIs.”

Using grant funding, campuses will provide AAPI students the resources they need to feel safe and protected, while helping them reach their full potential.

Fresno State is increasing AAPI representation in Criminology. Read the full story in California State University News.