Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander at Montgomery College
The MC Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Employee Resource Group is a college-wide community of faculty, staff, and students committed to celebrating the diversity and achievements of AANHPI populations.
Each year, the AANHPI Heritage Month Planning Committee organizes events that provide the College community with opportunities to engage in cultural programming, share knowledge, and explore the contributions of AANHPI individuals. Our signature kick-off event serves as the highlight of our annual AANHPI Heritage Month celebrations.
On September 27, 2007, Congress established the AANAPISI program to enhance the availability and quality of postsecondary education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. Montgomery College is proud to be a designated AANAPISI institution new window.
Join MC Wellness, the Montgomery College Rising Professionals Association (MCPRA), and the AANHPI Advisory Committee for a relaxing Valentine’s Day gathering featuring music therapy, sweet treats, and flower-folding activities.
Montgomery College Library is proud to join in the celebration of the achievements and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout history. This guide is dedicated to Asian Pacific American Heritage. Here, you will learn about Asian Pacific American history, stories, and receive several book and video recommendations. You will also find helpful research databases and resources from MC, as well as local, and national sources, all dedicated to Asian Pacific Americans.
View the MC Library Guide for AANHPI Heritage new window
Join us for a month-long celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month with a variety of events at Montgomery College and Montgomery County.
Monday, May 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Origami: AANHPI Heritage Month and Mother’s Day Celebrations, Rockville Campus, SV
Lobby
Join us for a some creative fun and relaxation as we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month and Mother's Day. Learn to fold flowers to give to your loved ones!
Sunday, May 3, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Montgomery County AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration Event, Seneca Valley High School,
19401 Crystal Rock Dr., Germantown MD 20874
As a part of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated in May, the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) and Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) invites you and your whole family to our fourth-annual AAPI Heritage Month Celebration!
This year, on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 11am-4pm, join us for captivating cultural performances, discover resources in the AAPI community, participate in our health fair, kid-friendly activities, and explore the rich cultures of our diverse community! We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, May 6, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Heritage Month Kick-Off Event, Rockville Campus, Theatre Arts (TA) Arena
Join us as we kick off AANHPI Heritage Month this May with a festive celebration! Enjoy cultural performances, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Come celebrate the rich diversity and vibrant traditions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
On January 10, 2025, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) hosted a convening in Washington, D.C., celebrating the resilience and achievements of AA and NHPI communities under the Biden-Harris Administration. The event featured cultural performances from various local groups, including the Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc. Their performance was led by Assistant Art Director Vathany Say, who is also a part-time faculty member at Montgomery College.
You can watch the WHIAANHPI Convening: A Community of Partnerships new window video online. The Cambodian Buddhist Society's performance begins at the 2:05:01 mark.
In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first 10 days of May were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, completed May 10, 1869.
In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a monthlong celebration that is now known as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Per a 1997 U.S. Office of Management and Budget directive, the Asian or Pacific Islander racial category was separated into two categories: one being Asian and the other Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. Thus, this Facts for Features contains a section for each.
View some facts from the Census Bureau about the AANHPI community new window.
The Lunar New Year is the most important social and economic holiday for billions of people around the world. The holiday is tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar and was originally observed as a time to honor household and heavenly deities and ancestors.
Today, Lunar New Year is a special time to bring friends and family together for feasting and festivities in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Mongolia and other countries all over the world. (Information taken from Center for International Affairs - Lunar New Year website.)
Are you interested in being on the Planning Committee? We are always looking for more ideas to make the Heritage Month Kick-off Festival a fun and learning experience for employees and students at the College. If you want to join the committee or have questions, please send an email to the Planning Committee!
If you’re interested in receiving information on scholarships, training, internships, and other opportunities for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students, you can join the AANHPI Student Distribution List.
By signing up, you’ll receive regular emails with updates on scholarships, internships, and more specifically available to AANHPI students.
Nghi Nguyen, Chair | Thanh King, Co-Chair | Kaylin Nguyen, Co-Chair | Miho Shimizu | Vathany Say | Sharmini Azeez
Last updated: 2/6/2026