This RISE (Race, Identity, and Social Engagement) program is a year-long community building experience designed for first-year, first time in college students. AAPI THRIVE is dedicated to supporting students who identify as Asian American and/or Pacific Islander (AAPI), and/or low-income. We value and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that our students bring to campus. This special RISE cohort centers the lives of AAPI students. It will provide you with an opportunity to be a part of a multicultural community with other students who will gather regularly each quarter. Together we will reflect on what it means to be AAPI in higher education and socially engage one another across similar and different experiences. This experience is also designed to identify and overcome unforeseen barriers that some students face while adjusting to college and social life beyond high school. You will explore identities of self, make connections, access academic support and practice personal wellness skills in order to persist and thrive at UW Tacoma.
The cohort will be led by Associate Teaching Professor, Tanya Velasquez (iamtanya@uw.edu), UWT alum and first generation college graduate.

By participating in the AAPI THRIVE RISE Community, you will have access to:
* Refreshments and Potlucks * Social and cultural activities and outings * Skill development workshops * Group study sessions and peer mentoring opportunities *The RISE alumni network
RISE is a great program that will make your first year at UWT a memorable one and it will open doors to other opportunities that will enrich your university experience for years to come. Many of our students go on to be campus leaders and participate in other Center for Equity and Inclusion programs and community outreach.
Meeting Times and Contact Information
Meeting dates and times for the academic year 2023-24 will be determined.
Email: uwt-aapithrive@uw.edu | Phone: (253) 692 - 4549
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.