The AAPI THRIVE Scholars program focuses on the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) who are attending college for the first time. It's a cohort for AAPI and/or students from all backgrounds who are financial aid recipients. Due to limited space, all interested students must directly apply for the program.

Together we will learn about the diverse cultural and ethnic identities of AAPI students and their families. Our goals are to provide support for academic growth and persistence while creating a sense of belonging. We are committed to fostering a positive learning experience that includes guidance about how to access campus resources, seek leadership opportunities and achieve success. 

Students admitted to this cohort model will be enrolled in a general education course that meet graduation requirements:

Autumn Quarter, 2025

  • TSOC 270: Asian America: Sociological & Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Tues./Thurs., 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.                                   

The benefits of being an AAPI THRIVE Scholar and part of a learning community include:

  • Lunches to network and connect with peers
  • Introduction to leadership and paid internship opportunities
  • Support utilizing campus resources: advising, financial wellness, career exploration, teaching and learning center
  • Receive mentorship from your professors
  • Field trips and Student Conferences

Quarterly activities- Students will be expected to participate in the following:

  • A welcome day in September before classes start
  • Weekly Group Study Sessions all year-long: Gather with the Wayfinder Peer Mentors and the Program Director
  • Quarterly meetings with the AAPI THRIVE Academic Advisors for support with academic pathways and career preparation
  • Attend workshops about college success conversations with peers, advisors and professors
  • Maintain course enrollment in TSOC 270 Asian America: Sociological and Interdisciplinary Perspectives; meets the diversity requirement for graduation

For questions, please write: uwt-aapithrive@uw.edu

For general disability accommodation requests, contact DRS at 253-692-4508 (voice), 253-692-4413(TTY), 253-692-4602 (fax), or drsuwt@uw.edu, or fill out this form.

For interpreting, captioning, amplification services, and TTYs, contact the Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at 253-692-4508 (voice), 253-692-4413 (TTY), or drsuwt@uw.edu.

The contents of this program were sponsored by and developed under an AANAPISI grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

gallery photo 8 of 10

Image: Two students smiling while reviewing an assignment on their laptops. 

Group of Asian American and Pacific Islander students smiling

Image: Group students standing by the UW Tacoma Maru sculpture by Gerard Tsutakawa.

Applications Closed for 2025

Wayfinder Peer Mentors

Wayfinder Peer Mentors

Peer Success Mentors are now available to guide students toward academic success. Discuss study habits, set goals, develop effective learning strategies and network of peer support.

Click here to make an in-person or zoom appointment.