Welcome to the Asian American Dream or AAD for short! Founded in May 2021, we aim to empower underserved Pan Asian American (includes East, South and Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander) undergraduates to realize and achieve their unique vision of the Asian American dream, one that accounts for their lived experiences, career aspirations, and Pan Asian American heritage.

Due to the model minority myth, there is a widespread misconception that all Pan Asian Americans are inherently well-connected, smart, and hard-working. This can be very problematic, especially as it pertains to the next generation of Pan Asian American professionals. Furthermore, the Pew Research Center highlighted in 2018 that the top 10% of the income distribution earns 10.7x more than the bottom 10% of the income distribution. Our aim is to ensure that all underserved Pan Asian American undergraduates are aware of and have access to mentorship networks, professional development training, and career advancement opportunities.

Through AAD programing, we seek to dismantle the model minority stereotype, break the bamboo ceiling, and provide holistic training for underserved (first-generation college attendee, low-income, FAFSA-eligible, non-target school) Pan Asian American undergraduates so that they may be well-equipped to excel in the workforce. Many of these students are juggling school, extracurriculars, and part-time work to support themselves and their families. As a result, they are highly proactive, motivated, know how to persevere through adversity, and can perform with limited networks, resources, and time.