Partnerships

As an organization that serves underrepresented Asian American students, AASPIRES believes deeply in partnerships that showcase the importance of interdependence and longterm community building. By working together with community-based organizations, employers, foundations, philanthropic organizations, other nonprofits, schools, and universities, we can co-create pathways that honor the unique histories of underrepresented Asian American communities, uplift student voices, and transform larger understandings of student mobility from “setting students up for failure” to “setting students up for opportunity”.


Why Partner With Us

  • AASPIRES provides uniquely designed and culturally reverent programs by and for the communities we serve.

  • AASPIRES values community-centered and evidence-informed approaches to student support. We incorporate community voices alongside empirical research to guide, improve, and enhance our work.

  • AASPIRES has a history of proven student outcomes. We support high school students before, during, and after through their college application processes. Our guidance explores personal growth, academic inquiry, and linguistic development.

  • AASPIRES is the only national organization doing our work specifically with underrepresented Asian American students. Together, with allies, we advance greater understandings of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, belonging, and representation.


Partnership Models

AASPIRES offers flexible and expansive opportunities for prospective partners to get involved. Potential collaborations include, and are not limited to:

  • Program Co-Creation

    • Develop co-hosted college-readiness, mentorship, academic, and/or culturally informed advising programs.

  • Scholar Support & Scholarships

    • Fund scholarships, stipends, or micro grants for students to cover costs like: college application, standardized testing, and conference attendance fees.

  • Talent Pathways

    • Build internships, apprenticeships, research, and professional development pipelines that highlight the unique lived realities and knowledge of AASPIRES Scholars and the community(ies) they come from.

  • Thought Leadership

    • Co-host local, regional, or national events, publish resources, and collaborate on conference presentations on culturally responsive college readiness and admissions practices.

  • In-Kind & Capacity Building

    • Provide pro-bono expertise, resources, or volunteer support.


How We Partner

AASPIRES values:

  • Collective Knowledge Sharing

    • We make it our priority to learn about your goals and community needs to establish mutual investment and benefit.

  • Co-Design Culturally Reverent Programs

    • We take the time to align organizational and programmatic outcomes and impact when planning collaborative programs.

  • Joint Facilitation

    • We provide staff support to ensure that programs are implemented and completed with joint accountability.

  • Evaluation & Growth

    • We actively ask for feedback from constituents to measure impact, build on what works, and identify potential areas of improvement.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What types of organizations can partner with AASPIRES?

    • We partner with a variety of organizations; some of which may include, but are not limited to: community-based organizations, employers, foundations, philanthropic organizations, other nonprofits, schools, and universities.

  • Do partnerships require funding?

    • The best answer to this question is: not always. Our partnerships are varied and, as such, not all partnerships require funding. However, we do welcome both funded collaborations and in-kind support if available.

  • Can programs be tailored to meet specific needs of a community or audience?

    • Yes. Due to the fact that AASPIRES values the centering of culturally sensitive and holistic partnerships, we can most definitely work with potential partners to construct programs appropriately crafted to fit their needs.


Let’s Build Together

If you are ready to invest in our vision of supporting the future of underrepresented Asian American students, please complete our Partnership Inquiry Form below. AASPIRES is excited to explore how we can work together to open doors, create meaningful opportunities, and extend knowledge systems.


Partnership Inquiry Form