Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Announces $500,000 Grant to Support Community Organizations with AI and Digital Literacy
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) is excited to announce the 11 community organizations who will be recipients of a $500,000 grant. The funds will be distributed among these organizations to support efforts to empower Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities with digital skills, AI literacy and job readiness training.
As AI systems become increasingly prevalent, it’s critical for underserved communities to be adequately prepared to take on a digital world. AANHPI communities face unique challenges: in 2024, Advancing Justice – AAJC found that 46% of AANHPI communities reported a lack of computer/technical skills. And just this year, focus groups conducted by Advancing Justice – AAJC in collaboration with University of Michigan researchers found that gaps in digital and media literacy put Asian Americans at risk of being targeted by disinformation campaigns and can create barriers to accessing government and community services online.
“We are proud to continue working to support local AANHPI organizations in closing digital and AI skill gaps within their communities,” said Lia Nitake, Senior Director of Technology, Telecommunications and Media Policy at Advancing Justice – AAJC. “It’s more essential than ever to be equipped with foundational AI skills. These trainings will help communities nationwide understand how AI affects their lives, explore the wide array of job opportunities it may present, and navigate the ethical considerations involved.”
The following are beneficiary organizations serving AANHPI communities:
Arab American Association of New York
Arab American Association of New York (AAANY), a nonprofit organization in Brooklyn, New York, supports and empowers the Arab American and Arab immigrant community by providing services to help them adjust to their new home and become active members of society. AAANY additionally offers a workforce development program that includes resume coaching, job interviewing workshops, career exploration, and digital skills training.
Asian Services in Action (ASIA) is the largest health and human services agency serving the Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) community of Northeast Ohio. ASIA runs two federally qualified health centers —one in Cleveland and one in Akron—that specialize in linguistically and culturally competent care for immigrants and refugees. ASIA also provides all of the wrap around social services for this community to thrive in Northeast Ohio.
Asian American Civic Association
Boston-based Asian American Civic Association (AACA)'s mission is to empower low-income individuals and families by providing education, guidance, resources, and support. Their goal is to help them achieve economic stability and mobility, enabling them to build wealth and secure a strong future.
Asian Counseling and Referral Service
Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) is a Seattle-based nonprofit advancing the well-being and empowerment of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and other underserved communities. Grounded in social justice and cultural humility, ACRS offers multilingual services in behavioral health, employment, aging, and civic engagement. Its digital literacy program equips clients with essential computer skills, one-on-one tech coaching, and internet access in a culturally responsive environment, helping bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to opportunity.
Boat People SOS – Houston (BPSOS-Houston), a nonprofit organization in Houston, Texas, provides social and legal services to empower, organize, and equip immigrant communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity. BPSOS-Houston additionally offers basic computer skills courses and job search workshops.
Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center
The Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center (EMBARC), located in Des Moines, Iowa, was originally founded in 2012 to help new refugees from Burma successfully settle in Iowa. As Iowa’s first refugee-led service provider, EMBARC understands not only the challenges, but also the dreams and potential of refugee families. By serving as the collective voice of different ethnic groups, EMBARC strives to address shared issues and uplift all refugee communities from Burma.
Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network
The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), located in San Francisco, seeks to increase the influence of Filipina women as leaders and policymakers on economic, social justice, and women’s rights in the private and public sectors. FWN convenes programs and activities that enhance public perceptions of Filipina women's capacities to lead, build the Filipina women community's pipeline of qualified leaders, and help Filipina women achieve previously unimaginable levels of performance in the public and private sectors, breaking barriers that make it difficult or impossible to succeed.
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), a nonprofit organization in Seattle, Washington, preserves and promotes the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAPNHPIs) as they age. NAPCA additionally offers courses in basic computer skills and professional development designed for the elderly community.
Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition
Founded in 1984 by refugees, the Philadelphia-based Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC)'s journey is a story of America shared by a long tradition and history of many immigrants and refugees who first sought refuge in the United States and eventually became the cornerstones of our nation. SEAMAAC provides a wide array of direct services and takes an active approach to building community leadership through education, organizing, and advocacy.
Saahas for Cause is a Cerritos, California based nonprofit organization that was founded in 2019 by a group of South Asians. It is dedicated to supporting immigrants who have taken the courageous step of starting a new life abroad. The organization recognizes the challenges and uncertainties that immigrants face and provide assistance to these communities. Saahas offers a range of programs, workshops, and events to provide guidance with the goal of creating a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life of immigrant communities and providing the necessary support for them to thrive in their adopted country.
Asian & Pacific Islander Vote Michigan
Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan (APIA Vote MI), a nonprofit organization in Hamtramck, Michigan, is a pan-Asian American organization committed to justice and equity for the Asian American community through grassroots mobilization, civic engagement, leadership development, and coalition building. APIA Vote MI additionally offers a job placement program that includes in-language digital skills classes covering basic computer skills, technical software training, interviewing, and workplace culture courses.
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