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.
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.
Adapted by the Equity Certification Program (ECP) program content*
Backstory: Through the substantial support and leadership afforded by the AANAPISI grants,
the Student Equity & Success Committee at Mission College, alongside the newly established
Office of Student Equity & Success, undertook the responsibility of institutionalizing
grant activities.
In the academic year 2016-2017, the committee engaged in defining the concept of equity
within Mission College. It became apparent, after arriving at this definition, that
a systematic approach was necessary to articulate what equity entails and to guide
various campus stakeholders in incorporating this understanding into their daily practices.
In the summer of 2017, the committee harnessed its working definition to draft an
Equity Framework. This framework subsequently informed the development of the college’s
Integrated Plan, which aimed to synergize the efforts of Student Equity, the Student
Success & Support Program (SSSP), and Basic Skills Initiatives.
The initial draft of the Mission College Equity Framework was produced during the
summer of 2016 in collaboration with Dr. Veronica Keiffer-Lewis, founder of Allied
Path Consulting. Following the successful completion of this draft, the Student Equity
& Success Committee made final revisions in early fall to refine the Integrated Plan,
guided by the draft Equity Framework.
In October 2017, the finalized framework was presented to the Mission College Executive
Cabinet, receiving their endorsement as the official Equity Framework of the college. This framework comprises a vision and mission statement, the foundational
components of the framework itself, and guiding questions that assist campus constituencies
in assessing how they integrate equity within their respective roles, both inside
and outside the classroom.
The core can also be known as "self-love and care." Through a strong sense of self,
we can love and learn to love others with their differences; Supporting Authenticity;
Praxis - Liberation is the practice of love.
Examples of the Core being implemented at Mission
The social justice element is the understanding and dismantling structures that perpetuate injustice
and inequity; Acknowledge the history of inequity and racism on campus, in your communities,
and as a nation.
Examples of Social Justice being implemented at Mission
The transparency element is defined as open communication, trust, and accountability;
The power of story-telling or counter-storytelling.
Examples of Transparency being implemented at Mission
Cultural Humility element is about recognizing power dynamics, imbalances; striving
to redress. Identifying & examining own personal biases, stereotypes, and prejudices
Examples of Cultural Humility being implemented at Mission
The community engagement element is about recognizing power dynamics, imbalances;
striving to redress. Identifying & examining own personal biases, stereotypes, and
prejudices. Creating connections campus-wide and moving communities towards change
and transformation; Honor relationships.
Examples of Community Engagement being implemented at Mission
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.
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.
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.
La Misión Colectiva is a grassroots group of faculty, staff and administrators who identify as Chicana/o/Latina/o to plan cultural events on campus.
The APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American) Affinity Group is a space for finding connection, support, and joy among peers who share and respect diverse identities.
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.
Offers classified professionals a dedicated space to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore foundational equity concepts, and collaboratively build practical skills for promoting inclusive practices.
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Come visit us in the Student Engagement Center (SEC), Office 350.
