Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) at the University of Minnesota gets shrouded with doubt since its funding is expiring on Monday.
APARC has been functioning since 2016 and known for the provision of resources and support to Pacific Islander and Asian American disciples. It’s been funded by an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI ) grant via the U.S. Education Department.
Now the access to more funding in the future is shrouded with doubt since the center’s funding is expiring on 30th Sept. Though on Sept. 17, a 2-year funding renewal was approved by the House of Representatives but the bill has yet to be passed by the senate.
APARC’s stance on the cut in fundings
Speaking to the local media, Kong Her, Program Director at APARC, showed serious concerns on this funds-regarding uncertainty. He claimed that theirs is the only center that provides on-campus support, resources, and activities to the Pacific Islander and Asian American students on the basis of identity. With the loss of funding, they would not be able to continue serving and supporting these students from minority groups.
Her also asserted that with each passing year, the number of students being supported by APARC is on an exponential increase. There is a huge chunk of the public yet unaware about the AANAPISI working since it’s been established since 2007 while a majority of the minority-serving programs are working for decades.
Her further added that her disappointment knows no bounds since he had to go through college being a student of color which is why he knows for a fact that what resources are meant to a disciple. He endorsed the importance of uninterrupted grant by quoting her own example that how she would have been unable to pursue her graduation had she not had access to the funded resources.
Call for Action
APARC raised awareness campaigns on social media about the likelihood of a cut in fundings which called students to voice their concerns. Hundreds of students are now voicing their opinions and are calling for funding renewal.
