AAPI Intercultural Learning Center

NOVA’s AAPI Intercultural Learning Center is a place that offers holistic support for students and resources for the broader NOVA community to learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultures and communities. The AAPI Center, funded by NOVA’s AANAPISI grant, is dedicated to enhancing student learning and creating a sense of identity and belonging for AAPI students. The Center offers services to address the unique needs of AAPI students, and we encourage mentorship, community, and overall student success.

Our Services

  • We run AAPI Connect, a peer mentor/mentee program for AAPI students that pairs 2nd year AAPI NOVA students with incoming AAPI 1st year students to help them navigate NOVA services and engage with the broader AAPI community. Students who participate in AAPI Connect are also eligible to receive SDV 100 credit for proper completion of the program.
  • We create and promote educational events with AAPI community partners about AAPI-focused identity, AAPI history, and AAPI mental health.  
  • We host networking and resume/interview events with AAPI Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) from companies such as Microsoft and the World Wildlife Fund. 
  • We serve as a learning center for faculty and the community on AAPI communities, culture, and art. 
  • We provide work-study opportunities for all students at local AAPI organizations non-profits that pay $16. 
  • We provide two work-study opportunities for students at the AAPI Center that pay $16. 
  • We assist faculty with infusing AAPI culture and culturally responsive lessons into their course curriculum, with a focus on NOVAarts. 
  • We offer a cozy and welcoming study space for all students. 
  • We assist with AAPI scholarships and internships with local AAPI community partners. 
  • We display and promote AAPI art by local artists, NOVA students, and faculty/staff. 

NOVA's AANAPISI Project: APPEAL: Asian Pacific Pedagogy for Equity, Achievement, & Learning

What is AANAPISI?

Three students studying togetherAANAPISI stands for Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution. The AANAPISI program, one of eight federally designated Minority Serving Institution (MSI) programs in higher education, was established by Congress in 2007 to enable institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander students, particularly low-income students. As of 2020, there were 192 organizations eligible for AANAPISI grants, yet only 32 were awarded.

What is NOVA's AANAPISI Project?

In the Fall of 2021, NOVA was awarded a 1.4-million-dollar AANAPISI Grant to develop its program, titled APPEAL (Asian Pacific Pedagogy for Equity, Achievement & Learning). APPEAL implements a college-wide effort to improve retention, enrollment, and graduation rates for AAPI and other high-need students through a peer mentor program, presentations and events that develop AAPI-focused curriculum, and a dynamic Intercultural Learning Center focused on education, community partnerships, and art.  

3 Central Pillars

  1. AAPI Connect, a Peer Mentoring Program for AAPI students that focuses on leadership, difference education, and improving college skills for AAPI students who need support. 
  2. The AAPI Intercultural Learning Center on Annandale campus that serves as a meeting space for our AAPI Connect peer mentor program, a hub for student resources and AAPI cultural resources for faculty, and a space for AAPI community outreach and community organizations. 
  3. AAPI Focused Curriculum through presentations, events, and talks by AAPI artists, community organizations, and faculty to promote education about AAPI cultures, communities and AAPI-specific student needs.  

Meet Our Team!

Dr. Nathan Carter headshot

Dr. Nathan Carter (PI)

Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer

Dr. Mei Lan Frame headshot

Dr. Mei Lan Frame

AANAPISI Grant Coordinator

Heather Moser crouching next to some daffodils

Heather Moser

AAPI Intercultural Learning Center Assistant