Let’s Make Generational Change
“Students take note of whose stories and histories are taught and valued in the curriculum and whose are not. That’s why it’s so critical that we educate all kids about AAPI stories and history alongside the stories and history of other communities.”
– Gurbir Grewal, NJ Attorney General 2018-2021
We believe our most powerful tool against racism, bias, and exclusion is education. Schools are critical centers for learning values, developing global citizens, and establishing normative practice—and they provide the best opportunity to address and prevent race-based intolerance, exclusion, prejudice, violence, and discrimination.
Our mission is to ensure that all students in New Jersey grow up understanding that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are part of the fabric of our nation, and all AAPI children know they matter and belong.
Beginning in 2022, New Jersey’s pathbreaking law S4021 required school districts “to provide instruction on history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.”
Teach Asian American Stories (TAAS), an initiative fueled by AAPI New Jersey, is working to ensure that New Jersey’s educators have access to high-quality resources and training to incorporate AAPI history and contributions into their everyday lesson plans. We are committed to supporting each of NJ’s 600+ districts so that we can realize this law’s promise in every school, in every classroom, and for each and every student.
We directly support educators by learning about each school’s needs and matching them with appropriate resources that meet them where they are, including:
To learn more about our work or how to apply for a grant, sign up to receive TAAS email updates or visit TeachAsianAmericanStories.org.
The lunches our children bring to school are more than food—they are a nourishing connection to family and heritage. Yet too often for Asian American and Pacific Islander children—and others with culturally diverse foods—bringing lunch to school can become a source of shame and distress. Love Your Lunch aims to change that by nurturing curiosity about the foods we cherish, and encouraging children to take pride in their families’ food traditions.
AAPI New Jersey is creating a space to support future generations of AAPI leaders by strengthening their sense of identity, building leadership and advocacy skills, and providing opportunities to champion causes they care about. We envision a world with empowered, self-aware, and engaged AAPI youth, where AAPI youth voices are not only heard but incorporated into decisions that impact their lives.
We are giving away 1,000 copies of the New Jersey AAPI History Map to display in classrooms across the state. Teachers will receive a map and access to free lesson plans that bring AAPI histories to life. With a donation of $50 or more, we’ll also send you a map that you can keep or pass on to your favorite educator!
In 2023, we formally changed our name to AAPI New Jersey to reflect the statewide priorities and activities that this group of committed community members and advocates now supports.
We continue to host events and programs in Montclair and invite you to explore this site to learn more about the diverse resources and opportunities we offer.
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