AACC
Celebrating Asian and Asian American identity, culture, and community
Founded
1981
Regions represented
All of Asia & Pacific
Heritage Month Events
20+/year
Partner organizations
25+
Mission
To provide a welcoming space for Asian and Asian American students at Yale, fostering community, cultural exploration, and dialogue across the diverse experiences of Asian heritage.
About
The Asian American Cultural Center has been at the heart of Yale's Asian and Asian American community since 1981. It serves students from South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Pacific Islands — as well as multiracial students with Asian heritage.
The AACC is a place for cultural celebration and critical inquiry. Programming spans everything from Lunar New Year festivals to discussions on Asian American identity, activism, and representation.
Open to all Yale students, the AACC fosters cross-cultural conversation and welcomes those who are simply curious about Asian cultures and communities.
History
Established in 1981 through sustained student advocacy, the AACC was one of the first Asian American cultural centers at an Ivy League institution. Over four decades it has grown to serve an increasingly diverse and interconnected Asian and Asian American student body at Yale.
Region
Programs & Initiatives
Welcome Week & Orientation Events
A series of events at the start of each academic year designed to welcome new students and connect them with the broader AACC community.
Lunar New Year Celebration
One of the AACC's largest annual events, bringing together the entire Yale community with performances, food, and cultural activities.
Asian American Heritage Month
A month-long celebration in April featuring panels, film screenings, workshops, and performances spotlighting Asian and Asian American voices.
Mentorship & Peer Support
Connects first-year and transfer students with upperclassmen mentors for academic, social, and cultural guidance.
Coffee Hours & Community Dinners
Informal, recurring gatherings that create space for students to decompress, meet new people, and feel at home.
Annual Events
AACC Fall Welcome
SeptemberKickoff event connecting returning students and newcomers to the AACC community.
Lantern Festival
February/MarchA beloved spring tradition marking the end of Lunar New Year festivities with lanterns, music, and community.
Asian Heritage Month Opening Night
AprilThe signature launch event for a month of cultural programming across campus.
Senior Send-Off
MayA celebration honoring graduating seniors and their contributions to the AACC community.
"The AACC was where I first felt that my identity did not need to be explained or defended. It was just celebrated."
— Yale undergraduate, Class of 2023
Resources
Lounge & Study Space
A comfortable, drop-in space open to all students for studying, relaxing, and connecting with community.
Cultural Library
A collection of books, films, and materials on Asian American history, arts, and identity available to borrow.
Student Org Support
Resources, advising, and space for Asian and Asian American student organizations across Yale's schools.
Programming Guidance
Staff support for students and groups who want to host events, panels, or cultural activities at the AACC.
Associated Groups