Hispanic and AANHPI Serving Institutions Press Conference

Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D–Colton) and Assemblymember Mike Fong (D–Alhambra) joined students and higher education leaders for a press conference highlighting legislation to establish Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPII) designations in California.

Under current federal law, HSIs are colleges and universities where at least 25% of undergraduate students are Hispanic or Latino. AANAPISIs are colleges and universities where at least 10% of undergraduate students are Asian American, Native American, or Pacific Islander and where a significant share of students come from low-income backgrounds. These campuses often provide targeted academic programs, student support services, and pathways to careers in high-demand fields. However, California does not yet have a formal state designation recognizing these institutions or encouraging campuses to strengthen these efforts.

Senator Reyes’ bill, SB 1255, would create a statewide designation for California Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Assemblymember Fong’s measure, AB 2374, would establish a similar designation for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). Together, the bills aim to highlight campuses that are successfully supporting students from communities that have historically faced barriers in higher education. The legislation follows the recent designation of California’s Black Serving Institutions (BSIs).