News & Upcoming Events.
AACC Fall Meeting & Coalition of Affiliated Councils
Thank you to everyone who participated in the AACC Fall meeting and the Coalition of Affiliated Councils (COAC) Meeting in Arlington, VA. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on shaping the future of our work together. During our discussions, we explored the Resilient by Design Report. Community colleges must design for resilience, not just react to change. AACC and its members face seismic shifts—demographics, technology, workforce needs, and funding pressures—that demand bold, integrated strategies. There is incredible momentum with Dr. Pollard—her leadership is energizing all of us, and her vision is sparking excitement across the organization.
MCC Joins Statewide Effort at Massachusetts State House to Advocate for AANAPISI Funding
On July 30 and November 12, 2025, Middlesex Community College (MCC) joined fellow AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions) program staff from UMass Lowell, UMass Boston, and Bunker Hill Community College at the Massachusetts State House to advocate for continued support of AANAPISI initiatives. As a result of the discontinuation of the federal AANAPISI grant funding, the group urged state legislators to consider state-level backing to ensure the longevity of these transformative programs.
Members of the House Asian Caucus—State Representative Tackey Chan (Quincy), Amy Sangiolo (Newton), Erika Uyterhoeven (Somerville), and Representative Tara Hong (18th Middlesex District, Lowell)—met with students and staff to hear firsthand about the critical role AANAPISI funding plays in student success.
The AANAPISI grants have enabled the four institutions to build a culturally responsive and holistic support system for Asian American, Pacific Islander, and low-income students. These efforts have directly led to improved academic outcomes, including increased persistence, retention, and graduation rates.
MCC and its AANAPISI partners are urging lawmakers to recognize the profound impact these programs have had and to consider new avenues of state support.
Middlesex Community College Celebrates 55 Years of Impact and Community Partnership
On October 8, 2025, Middlesex Community College (MCC) proudly celebrated 55 years of excellence, innovation, and community impact — a milestone honoring the thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners who have shaped the college’s remarkable journey.
The celebration brought together over 480 guests, including state and city officials, MCC retirees, and dedicated community members, all gathered to recognize the college’s enduring contributions to education and the region. The event highlighted MCC’s legacy of empowering learners, fostering opportunity, and building strong, inclusive communities across the Commonwealth.
This year’s celebration carried added significance as MCC also marked 10 years of its designation as an Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). This milestone underscores the college’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—values that continue to define its mission and shape the student experience.
In true MCC spirit, the event was not only a celebration of the past but also an investment in the future. All proceeds benefited the MCC Student Emergency Fund for Essential Needs, supporting students who face unexpected financial challenges that can disrupt their education.
As the college reflects on its 55-year legacy, the evening served as a powerful reminder of how collaboration, compassion, and community can transform lives. Middlesex Community College remains dedicated to creating access, opportunity, and pathways to success for all students.
LEAP Advance 2025 – Recognition
NAPIC wishes to congratulate the LEAP Advance 2025 Cohort & express our gratitude to APAHE & LEAP for their collective efforts in investing & supporting our Asian and Pacific Islander educators. Many NAPIC leaders are honored and pleased to serve as faculty for this incredible program!
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The Persistent 'Bamboo Ceiling': AAPI Leaders Still Rare Among College Presidents
Diverse Education, May 2025
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders remain significantly underrepresented in college presidencies, holding just 3.6% of such roles. Despite their growing presence in higher education, AAPI professionals face the "bamboo ceiling"—biases that hinder leadership advancement. The article highlights efforts to support AAPI leadership through mentorship and advocacy, while spotlighting current leaders as examples of progress. Read the entire article:
AACC Joint Councils Reception
Come together for an evening of collaboration!
Hosted by NCBAA, PRT, NAPIC & NCCHC, this reception is the perfect opportunity to connect, network, and celebrate our collective impact in higher education.
Omni Nashville: Legends Ballroom G
Finding Your Groove During Challenging Times
Hosted by AACC Affilitate Councils: The National Asian Pacific Islander Council, The National Council on Black American Affairs, The National Community College Hispanic Council, and The President’s Roundtable.
This pre-conference session at the American Association of Community Colleges Annual Convention is designed for senior-level higher education administrators to explore how courageous leadership can spark lasting change and drive innovative solutions in higher education. Through real-world examples and crucial conversations, participants will gain insights into strategies for fostering resilience, maintaining authenticity, and navigating institutional barriers. The sessions will focus on leading with integrity to cultivate sustainable growth and resilience while addressing student needs and societal expectations.