Throughout the month of May, Las Positas College honors Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrating culture through campus events and highlighting resources for AAPI students. Nearly one-third of the college’s students identify as AAPI, making it one of the largest communities on campus.
But while the celebrations are visible, the struggles often are not.
Behind the cultural events and recognition lies a more complex reality shaped by financial burdens, the pressures of balancing school and family life, and the experiences of many first-generation college students. These challenges are often overlooked because of a persistent stereotype.
“AAPI students at community colleges,” said Cristine Sidela, dean of special programs, student equity and success, “often face challenges that are overlooked because of the ‘model minority’ stereotype, which is the assumption that all Asian American and Pacific Islander students are academically successful and financially stable, when in actuality, this is not the true experience of all API students.”
The model minority stereotype frames this population of students as naturally successful, intelligent and financially stable. While it may seem positive on the surface, it often masks the real difficulties many AAPI students face. In reality, many are first-generation students navigating higher education for the first time, working long hours and contributing to their families while trying to succeed academically.
National data paints a far more complicated picture than the stereotype suggests.
A 2024 report from the Migration Policy Institute found that 94% of Asian American and Pacific Islander students in higher education are from immigrant-origin families, with 57% being U.S.-born children of immigrants.
The data also reveals major economic disparities that are often hidden behind broad assumptions about AAPI success. According to 2025 education data compiled by AAPI Data using National Center for Education Statistics figures, 66% of Asian-American undergraduate students and 74% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students receive financial aid. In California specifically, nearly 44% of Asian-American college students and 50% of NHPI students attend two-year colleges, reflecting the major role community colleges play within these communities.
Researchers say the model minority stereotype can make these challenges easier to overlook. When students are presumed to be academically and financially secure, they may be less likely to receive targeted outreach, academic support or mental health resources. Students themselves may also feel pressure to remain silent about financial stress, burnout or struggles balancing school, work and family obligations.
Over time, those assumptions can create a disconnect between perception and reality. Even within one of LPC’s largest student populations, students can feel isolated if their experiences are invisible or misunderstood. In a college environment built around equity and support, stereotypes can quietly become barriers.
LPC emphasizes equity, inclusion and community engagement. The campus offers programs designed to support AAPI students.
“As a proud Filipina American and first-generation immigrant,” Sidela said, “I am committed to elevating opportunities and advocating for our AANHPI students.”
The Asian Pacific Islander Education Association (APIEA) and the Movement API Learning Community provide academic support, mentorship and a sense of belonging. Cultural events such as Lunar New Year celebrations and the Cherry Blossom Festival further highlight the diversity of the campus.
However, these efforts, while important, do not fully capture the everyday realities AAPI students navigate.
Without acknowledging the full scope of student experiences, there is a risk of overlooking those who need the most support. Feelings of isolation and a lack of culturally relevant resources can persist even on a diverse campus.
LPC continues to address these gaps through programming, guest speakers and cultural recognition, but Sidela notes that the purpose of AAPI Heritage Month extends beyond celebration.
“Celebrating,” Sidela said, “invites the opportunity for all to learn about each other.”
As a campus community, that learning must go deeper than surface-level appreciation. It requires understanding not only the culture, but also the challenges that shape the AAPI student experience.
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TOP PHOTO: Asian-American and Pacific Islander students face challenges that often get overlooked because they’re seen as model minorities for whom success comes naturally. (Photo courtesy of Envato Elements)
Kiarra Bautista is a staff writer for The Express. Follow her on Instagram @KiarraFaithh.
