5C APIDA students attending the 2019 Alternabreak (co-sponsored by the AARC) to San Francisco.
5C APIDA Alternabreak
Organized by the Draper Center at Pomona, Asian American Resource Center, Center for Asian Pacific American Students, and Intercollegiate Department of Asian American Studies, the Alternabreak is a fully funded service-learning opportunity for students at the Claremont Colleges over spring break. Each trip is student-led.
In the Spring 2024, 5C students attended the APIDA Alternabreak which began at the sacred site of Puvungna: "Puvungna is the Indian village which once occupied the land where Cal State Long Beach now stands. Puvungna remains sacred to the Gabrielino and other Indian people as a spiritual center from which their lawgiver and god -- Chungichnish -- instructed his people." Students were able to meet and engage with the staff at the Dream Center and the APIDA Resource Center at Cal State Long Beach. Students also participated in the toxic tour of the Long Beach region, in addition to meeting with Long Beach non profit South Asian Network (SAN). Throughout the duration of the Alternabreak, attendees were introduced to resources explaining the concept of organizing and non-profits. The final day of programming included a hands-on activity hosted at the Pacific Islander Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM). They also engaged in discussions about the nuances of the non-profit system, in addition to meeting alumni of The Claremont Colleges living in the region. APIDA Alternabreak ended with a visit with Filipino American Historical National Society (FAHNS) in Orange County where students were able engage in a community event to close out the APIDA Alternate experience.
For more information about how to qualify for the Alternabreak, contact the AARC at (909) 621-8639 or e-mail us.
Saturday Tongan Education Program
The Saturday Tongan Education Program (STEP), in collaboration with MALO Motivating Action Leadership Opportunity non profit organization, is a weekly program that connects 5C student volunteers through the AARC with the Inland Empire Tongan community. STEP fosters growth in local Tongan youth by providing academic tutoring, cultural activities, and other concrete resources. Through STEP, the AARC and the Tongan community hope to expand services and relationships with Pacific Islander communities in the surrounding area.
Participants work in conjunction with students from the Claremont Colleges during STEP and throughout the week if needed. Program attendees range from those in pre-school to college and includes young parents and community elders.
If you’d like to get involved as a volunteer, send us an e-mail.
Asian American Mentor Program (AAMP)
Established in the fall of 1989, the Asian American Mentor Program (AAMP) is a student-run organization that fosters community among individuals who self-identify as Asian, Pacific Islander, Asian American, multiethnic, and/or multiracial. First-year and transfer students who self-identify as AAPI on their college applications are placed in small mentor groups led by student mentors. Common mentor group activities include lunches and off-campus excursions. Applications are typically open in the Spring Semester for the following school year and we welcome incoming sophomores and above to apply. For more information on how to apply, contact AAMP.
Asian American Resource Center Internship
AARC Interns play a crucial role in the daily operations of the Asian American Resource Center. As a student intern, you will work in a team environment on social justice oriented projects that raise awareness regarding issues pertaining to diverse communities. These projects require student interns to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences, work independently, be accountable to their peers, maintain a professional yet personable demeanor while working office hours, and represent the Asian American Resource Center to the larger campus community.
Each student intern is expected to work an average of 6-8 hours per week: 1-2 hours of office hours, 1 hour of staff meetings, and additional time spent on projects. Additionally, student interns are required to attend Asian American Resource Center staff retreats, collaborative campus events, training sessions, leadership retreats, and conferences as they arise.
For more information on how to apply, e-mail the AARC or come by our office.