From Marginalized to Validated: An In-depth Case Study of an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution

Abstract

This article highlights the capacity of an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPISI) to serve as an institutional convertor—by addressing challenges commonly associated with marginalized students—for low-income, Asian American and Pacific Islander students entering college. Through an in-depth case study, we explored the extent to which an AANAPISI-funded program, the Full Circle Project, improved students' ability to overcome barriers. We found that this program—an extension of the institution—acknowledges students' circumstances, thereby helping them to plug into an otherwise inaccessible, rough college terrain. We conclude with a discussion and implications for theory and practice.