Hmong Student Association promoting diversity, opportunity

The Hmong Student Association is at the forefront of efforts to advocate for greater diversity on campus and in the larger community.

Each year, members of the association lead personal tours of the University for underrepresented groups, such as Hmong and Asian students in Mecklenburg and Catawba counties. According to leaders of the Hmong Student Association, their goal is simple: reach as many people as they can to teach them about UNC Charlotte, FASFA, admissions, student life and the educational programs UNC Charlotte offers.

Their outreach efforts supports the organization’s motto “Preserving Our Past, Promoting Our Future” and purposes: to develop awareness and understanding of the Hmong culture among members, fellow students, and community; to promote higher education by providing proper guidance for new and existing students at UNC Charlotte; and to establish connections with student organizations in universities across the United States.

During the past 15 years, the Hmong Student Association has hosted hundreds of potential students – both high school and transfer populations. Association members strive to show Asian minorities that higher education is important not only with respect to their careers but in developing awareness of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. They want minorities to become more aware of the opportunities they have and increase the graduation rate for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students. By providing access and information, the association hopes to increase campus diversity and that of the city of Charlotte.

The Hmong Student Association college tour, typically offered in early spring, has had enormous impact. In late February, this active student group had some of the highest attendance numbers to date, and the program shows no signs of slowing. The association has been recognized in the Hmong and UNC Charlotte communities, and members are frequently asked to speak at events that promote higher education.

With the ongoing expansion of its campus tour program, the Hmong Association applied for a Chancellor’s Diversity Challenge Fund grant to provide additional support and organization for the effort. Association leaders have used the funds to extend outreach efforts, provide transportation, meals and UNC Charlotte gear.

To learn more about the Hmong Student Association visit its Facebook page or email the group’s President Tiffiny Hergh at thergh@uncc.edu.