Focusing on the Underserved

<p>Recent discussions and dissemination of information regarding the rapid growth of Asian Americans<br />and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across our nation are creating some awareness among administrators<br />and educators in higher education institutions regarding the extensive diversity of AAPIs the<br />struggles of some AAPI populations in pursuing and succeeding in higher education and the lack of<br />support for their educational success. National discourse on AAPIs among educators policymakers<br />and AAPI communities underscores the need for more research—including more relevant research—that can inform policy and<br />practice that will enhance educational opportunities for AAPIs who are underserved in higher education.<br />The book focuses on diverse topics many of which do not appear in the current literature. The chapters are authored by an array of<br />distinguished and emerging scholars and professionals at various universities and colleges across the nation. The authors whose<br />insights are invaluable in understanding the diverse issues and characteristics that affect the educational success of underserved<br />AAPI students and they represent the ethnicities and cultures of Cambodian Chinese Guamanian/Chamorro Filipino Hispanic<br />Hmong Japanese Korean Laotian Native Hawaiian Okinawan Samoan Vietnamese and multiracial Americans. The authors not<br />only integrate theoretical concepts statistical analyses and historical events but they also merge theory and practice to advocate<br />for social justice for AAPIs and other underrepresented and underserved ethnic minority groups in higher education.</p>