Equity at Mission

At Mission College, an HSI and AANAPISI institution, equity is central to our mission. We are dedicated to creating a campus where all students, especially those from historically underserved communities, are valued, supported, and empowered. Through intentional efforts, we break down barriers, promote inclusion, and foster an environment committed to equity and social justice.

Equity Framework

Our Equity Framework guides us in creating initiatives that enhance equitable practices, support student success, and promote social justice. Whether through cultural celebrations, leadership opportunities, or professional learning, Mission College is dedicated to ensuring that every member of our community thrives.

Equity Goals at Mission College

We ensure all students are supported holistically by:

Streamlining the matriculation process.
Offering counseling, mentorship, and follow-up services.
Providing resources to address basic needs like food and financial support.

Our faculty and staff work to integrate equity into classrooms through:

Culturally responsive teaching practices.
Inclusive curriculum design.
Continuous professional development focused on diversity and inclusion.

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)

Mission College has been a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) since 2004, a recognition given to colleges where at least 25% of full-time students identify as Hispanic or Latine/x. This designation opens doors to federal funding that strengthens programs, supports student success, and expands opportunities for our diverse student body.

Over the years, HSI grants have brought millions of dollars in resources to Mission College from scholarships and STEM initiatives to culturally responsive programming and faculty development. One standout example is the Puente Project, a nationally recognized program that helps students from all backgrounds succeed academically and transfer to four-year universities. Puente, meaning “bridge” in Spanish, connects students with mentors, resources, and clear pathways to higher education and future success.

For Mission, being an HSI is more than a designation as it’s a commitment to honoring and serving our Latine/x students, celebrating their cultures, addressing their unique needs, and helping them achieve their goals.

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution (AANAPISI)

Mission College is proud to be a federally designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institution (AANAPISI), committed to fostering a culturally engaging and inclusive campus that supports students academically, personally, and professionally while connecting them to meaningful resources to achieve their goals.

Nearly half of our students identify as AAPI, including large Vietnamese and Filipino communities. Many are first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds, which makes our mission deeply impactful.

A key part of this commitment is the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Learning Community. Rooted in the Filipino value of Kapwa - a deep sense of shared identity and connection - APIDA creates a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally while building community and cultural pride.

Since receiving Title III AANAPISI grants, we’ve strengthened ESL pathways, expanded scholarships, university tours, research programs, and student services. We also challenge stereotypes like the “model minority myth” by addressing real barriers to opportunity.

For Mission, being an AANAPISI means equity in action and authentic cultural representation.

Mission Statement

To build a culture of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism at Mission College by supporting initiatives that improve equitable practices, programs, and services across campus.

Call To Action Priorities

Build Spaces for Open Dialogue

Intentional messaging and spaces for meaningful and open dialogue on a continuous, ongoing basis. Spaces at a collegewide level, within discrete offices and areas, and spaces with our students.

Self & Institutional Reflection

Individual and collective reflection and learning about race, racism, and developing equitable mindedness.

Engage in the Vision Resource Center “Community Colleges for Change.”
Engage in resources through the USC CCC Equity Leadership Alliance.
Engage in unconscious bias assessment and training.

Change the Student Experience

Assess and make changes from an equity and social justice perspective in both the instructional and student service experience.

Assess the classroom experience and create action plans to create inclusive classrooms and embed anti-racism curriculum across disciplines.
Initiate a Cultural Competency Curriculum Audit.
Provide workshops and trainings on student centered syllabi.
Provide training and mentoring on effective teaching strategies for a culturally diverse student population.
Assess student experiences with services and offices and create actions plans to create equity and anti-racist experiences.
Review and update of first responder and direct service training and curriculum.

Commit to Structural Changes

Focus the campus to implement specific actions called for in the Equity Plan.
Provide sufficient resources and staffing to coordinate and support our anti-racism and equity work.
Audit training and requirements for recruitment, hiring, and evaluation for equity in the process, for increasing representation, and for identifying social-justice minded candidates.

Events To Celebrate Diversity and Equity

Kwanzaa Celebration

The Kwanzaa Celebration highlights the cultural significance of Kwanzaa, a holiday that honors the African American heritage and focuses on unity, self-determination, and community values. Attendees will experience traditional music, storytelling, and interactive cultural activities. The celebration offers a meaningful way to reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, fostering a sense of togetherness and connection within the community.

Black History Month

Throughout February, Mission College hosts a series of events to honor Black History Month, celebrating the profound contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. The month is marked with poetry readings from local and student artists, film screenings that explore pivotal moments in Black history, and live musical performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the African American community. These events provide an opportunity for students and faculty to engage with Black history in a meaningful and interactive way, fostering learning, reflection, and celebration of the Black experience.

Filipino-American History Month

Each October, Mission College honors Filipino-American History Month by celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Filipino Americans. This month-long celebration includes cultural performances, educational workshops, and community events that highlight the contributions of Filipino Americans in diverse fields. Attendees will have the chance to learn about the rich history and cultural traditions of the Filipino-American community, as well as the challenges and triumphs they have faced in shaping American society.

Amity Youth Summit

The Amity Youth Summit is an annual event designed by and for youth aged 17-25, aiming to foster community progress through youth leadership. This summit brings together youth councils and young leaders to create a call to action for social change. The event includes workshops, keynote speakers, and interactive sessions focused on equity, social justice, and community empowerment. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with like-minded peers, learn from experienced mentors, and leave with actionable strategies to make a positive impact in their communities.

Black and Brown Summit

The Black and Brown Summit is a transformative event aimed at empowering and motivating students of color at Mission College and West Valley College. This summit brings together students for a day of workshops, motivational speakers, and discussions centered on identity, resilience, and success. Through these sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights, tools, and support to thrive both academically and personally, while also forming connections with fellow students and mentors. The summit is designed to inspire and equip students of color with the confidence and resources needed to succeed in higher education and beyond.

Professional Development

Equity Pedagogy Community of Praxis (CoP)

Collaborative learning community designed for both full-time and part-time faculty members. This initiative focuses on enhancing equity-driven practices in teaching and classroom design.

Classified Equity Certification Program (ECP)

Offers classified professionals a dedicated space to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore foundational equity concepts, and collaboratively build practical skills for promoting inclusive practices.

Contact Us

Ken Songco

Dean, Equity and Student Success

(408) 855-5037

David Piper

Equity Faculty Lead

(408) 855-5168

Lusyna Narvaez

Program Specialist

(408) 855-5526

Jennifer Nguyen

Program Analyst- AANAPISI

(408) 855-5342

Visit Us

Questions? We are here to support you!

Come visit us in the Student Engagement Center (SEC), Office 350.