Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: the changing demography of the United States and implications for education policy

As the nation's population grows and the demographic shifts, institutions of higher education must be more conscious of and responsive to these new realities relative to setting goals, priorities, and strategies for achieving higher rates of college participation and completion for all Americans. In order for the United States to adequately respond to the demands of the global economy and to maintain its standing as a global leader, it must increase opportunities for all Americans to pursue higher education. Focusing on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) student population, this article highlights key findings from recent research by the National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education. Specifically, we describe the growth and uniqueness of the AAPI population (nationally and in different sectors of education), discuss the need to expand opportunities and remove barriers at institutions that serve AAPI students, and provide recommendations for change in the education policy arena.