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Sacramento State Univ to launch program aiding Asian American student success
The first-of-its-kind pilot marks a milestone, making Sac State the first institution in California to implement such a targeted initiative.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 19, Jun 2025
- 15:07 EDT
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Sacramento State will launch a pilot program this fall to support Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students, funded by the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, following the University’s designation as the state’s first AANHPI-Serving Institution. / Courtesy Chao Vang
Sacramento State University will roll out a program this fall aimed at improving academic and career outcomes for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.
The first-of-its-kind pilot marks a milestone, making Sacramento State University the first institution in California to implement such a targeted initiative. Funded by the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the program follows the university’s designation as the state’s first AANHPI-Serving Institution.
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“This program is a testament to our commitment as an AANHPI institution,” said Chao Vang, assistant vice president for Educational Equity Programs and Student Success. “It will allow us to expand upon the great work we already are doing and allow Sac State to serve as a model for other institutions.”
Of the university’s 31,000 students, about 7,000 identify as Asian American, with nearly half from historically underserved groups in higher education—including Native Hawaiians, Southeast Asians, and Southwest Asian North Africans (SWANA).
The pilot initiative will focus on three key areas: academic tutoring, mental health support, and career development—identified by the university as critical needs among AANHPI students.
On the academic front, the university will offer culturally responsive tutoring in high-failure or high-withdrawal courses. Tutors will be trained to teach with cultural sensitivity, aiming to make instruction more relevant to students’ lived experiences.
To support student well-being, the university will also launch a yearlong mental health awareness campaign. The effort will aim to reduce stigma, particularly in communities where discussing mental health remains taboo. Peer counselors and AANHPI representation in outreach materials will play a central role.
“In some cultures, letting people know that you need help with your mental health is taboo,” said Vang. “We want to offer a culturally affirming approach to mental health awareness.”
The career development portion of the program will include resume-building, interview coaching, and mentorship from professionals who share cultural backgrounds with participating students.
“We will give them access to working professionals who have shared cultural experiences and can help guide them,” Vang added.
University officials say the initiative builds on existing support systems like the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Center and aligns with Sac State’s federal designation as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to foster an ecosystem of academic excellence in advancing equity, retention and outcomes for Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian, and North African students,” said Aniesha Mitchell, vice president for Student Affairs.
Khydeeja Alam, executive director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, emphasized the broader aim: “Our pilot initiative supports historically underserved students by providing resources to promote academic success, mental health access and career readiness. We are committed to providing tools for AANHPI students to graduate on time and shape California's future as leaders in their communities.”
The pilot program is scheduled to launch at the start of the fall 2025 semester.
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