Lawmakers and Students Highlight “Empowering California’s Future” Initiative

Sacramento, CA — Today, Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D–Colton) and Assemblymember Mike Fong (D–Alhambra) joined students and higher education leaders for a press conference highlighting legislation to establish Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPI) designations in California.

Under current federal law, HSIs are colleges and universities where at least 25% of undergraduate students are Hispanic or Latino. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islanders (AANAPISIs) are colleges and universities where at least 10% of undergraduate students are Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and where a significant share of students come from low-income backgrounds. These campuses often provide targeted academic programs, student support services, and pathways to careers in high-demand fields. However, California does not yet have a formal state designation recognizing these institutions or encouraging campuses to strengthen these efforts.

Senator Reyes’ bill, SB 1255, would create a statewide designation for California Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Assemblymember Fong’s measure, AB 2374, would establish a similar designation for Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANHPI-Serving Institutions). Together, the bills aim to highlight campuses that are successfully supporting students from communities that have historically faced barriers in higher education. The legislation follows the recent designation of California’s Black Serving Institutions (BSIs).

“California’s future is sitting in our classrooms right now,” said Senator Reyes. “Across our state, schools are working every day to support Latino students and help them succeed. This designation brings that work home to California – so we can protect it, strengthen it, and ensure it continues to open doors for generations to come.”

“California’s public educational systems are at their best when they reflect the students they serve,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong. “As Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee and the AAPI Legislative Caucus, this designation of educational institutions represents a meaningful commitment to culturally responsive support and clear pathways to academic and professional success for students. For campuses, it acknowledges their leadership and strengthens ongoing efforts to better serve diverse AAPI students across California.”

“HACU is proud to serve as the organizational sponsor of SB 1255 in support of California Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the students they serve,” said Antonio R. Flores, President and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. “This bill reflects the collective voice of the state’s 171 HSIs united in advancing recognition of their critical role driving opportunity for low-income, first-generation, and underserved students. Establishing a state designation in a thoughtful, pragmatic manner highlights HSIs as engines of social mobility, positioning the state to strategically support the talent pipeline driving economic growth and competitiveness.”

“An AANHPI-Serving Institution designation creates a framework for visibility, accountability, and intentional investment in student success,” said AB 2374 Sponsor, Dr. Kirin Macapugay, Vice Chair of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) and Chair of CAPIAA’s Higher Ed Advisory Committee. “California has long led on equity in higher education. With AB 2374, we are building on that legacy by affirming that AANHPI students, and the campuses that serve them, deserve to be seen, resourced, and prioritized.”

“In light of the federal administration’s decision to end funding for the long-standing Minority-Serving Institutions grant programs, the California State University is committed to recognizing and strengthening the vital role that our universities play in supporting our diverse student population,” said Dr. Mildred García, Chancellor of the CSU. “SB 1255 and AB 2374 advance this commitment by elevating the importance of institutions that serve historically underrepresented communities and ensuring that students from all walks of life continue to have access to affordable, high-quality higher education. CSU is proud to stand in support of these measures.”

“Our students have extraordinary potential, yet too many still face barriers to completion and transfer,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “We support the leadership of Senator Eloise Reyes and Assembly Member Mike Fong in advancing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPI) designations. This effort aligns closely with Vision 2030 and our accountability for student outcomes. By recognizing and strengthening our institutions, we can help more students achieve their goals and build a stronger future for California.”

Diana Z. Rodriguez, Ed.D., Chancellor of San Bernardino Community College District said: “Students across California are doing their part. They are working hard to become the medical professionals, teachers, firefighters, skilled workers, business owners, and leaders our communities need. SB 1255 and AB 2374 recognize colleges that help students finish what they started and prepare for good-paying jobs. When students get that chance, all of us benefit.”

“At the Los Angeles Community College District, Hispanic-Serving is not just a designation—it is our mission,” said Dr. Alberto J. Román, Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District. “SB 1255 and AB 2374, led by Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes and Assemblymember Mike Fong, are critical to sustaining and scaling the work already transforming our students’ lives. These bills ensure we can expand pathways to completion, transfer, and workforce success, while strengthening the economic future of our region.”

“Diversity is the strength of our education institutions, and SB 1255 and AB 2374 are two major ways California can embrace that diversity as the federal administration abandons our students of color,” said Vincent Rasso, Government Relations Director for University of California Student Association.  “UCSA is grateful to Senator Reyes and Assemblymember Fong for taking initiative to establish designations for Hispanic-Serving and Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-Serving institutions, a message that students from every background belong at our colleges and universities and will have the support they need to succeed.”

The proposals would create a clear state-level recognition process and governing structure to designate qualifying campuses across the California State University, the University of California, the California Community Colleges, and eligible independent colleges. The designation would highlight campuses that are intentionally investing in student success for historically underserved populations and encourage continued innovation in academic and support programs.

They are intended to complement existing federal designations by reinforcing California’s commitment to educational equity and access. By recognizing these institutions at the state level, lawmakers aim to support campuses in expanding academic resources, strengthening student services, and improving graduation and career outcomes.

SB 1255 and AB 2374 are currently awaiting hearings in the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees, respectively.