Changes with AAPI THRIVE following federal grant decisions

We are writing with an important update to share about UW Tacoma’s AAPI THRIVE Project. Recently, the U.S. Department of Education announced it will end several national grant programs for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) nationwide, including funding for AAPI THRIVE. 
 
This sudden change means that the grant money, which helped establish and sustain AAPI THRIVE, will not continue. At the same time, the Department has approved an extension so that we may continue to use the funds we already received through September 2026. This will allow UW Tacoma to close out core grant activities between now and September of next year.  

We are currently working to determine what AAPI THRIVE activities can still be supported through grant funds received to date and institutional funds. Prior to this abrupt notice, we welcomed 18 new students in our third AAPI Thrive First-Year Learning Cohort (Class of 2029). We are committed to supporting them throughout the 2025–2026 academic year through the Center for Equity and Inclusion and campus partners.

In the coming weeks, campus partners involved in AAPI THRIVE will receive more information as plans take shape. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can direct them to the grant team’s faculty leads, Rachel Endo and Tanya Velasquez. The project’s webpage will also begin transitioning to the Center for Equity and Inclusion website, where we will post updates. 

Finally, we encourage you to read a new national report released by the American Council on Education and MSI's Data Project. This report highlights the positive impact of MSIs on student success. 

At UW Tacoma, we remain deeply committed to our mission of expanding access and opportunity for all students, while working in partnership and collaboration within our communities. 

Sincerely, 

Sheila Edwards Lange, Ph.D. 
Chancellor, UW Tacoma 
Professor of Practice, School of Education 
 
Rachel Endo, Ph.D./SPHR 
Principal Investigator, AAPI THRIVE Project 
Dean & Professor, School of Education 

Tanya Velasquez, M.A. 
Co-Principal Investigator, AAPI THRIVE Project 
Interim Vice Chancellor, Office for Equity & Inclusion 
Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences