CHICAGO: The low -income Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students have now a greater chance to gain college access and education as a sequel to a recent House initiative that would provide grants to colleges and universities that have a high percentage of low-income and AAPI students. The facility is akin to the federal funding given to historically black colleges and Hispanic serving institutions.

This is an acknowledgement that educational disparities do in fact exist within the AAPI community. It would also underline the essence of American ideal of equal educational opportunities for all students, particularly for those who fall behind due to socio-economic and cultural barriers.The House initiative - College Opportunity and Affordability

Act, H.R. 4137- would establish grants to eligible institutions of higher education, designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, to improve and expand services for low-income AAPI students. Such services may include developing curriculum and academic instruction; enhancing tutoring, counseling, and other student services programs; and establishing community outreach programs that will encourage elementary and secondary school students to develop the academic skills and the interest to pursue higher education.

Institutions that serve large numbers of low-income AAPI students have not previously had access to this aid. Oftentimes societal assumptions categorize the complex AAPI population as a homogenous, academically successful unit that is not in need of academic support systems.

This "model minority myth" inaccurately portrayed all AAPIs as excelling in school and professional life. In reality, a large number within the AAPI community fall well below national averages with respect to both income and education. The new House bill nullifies this myth.