UMass Boston

Asian American Belonging in Massachusetts Suburbs

The population of Asian Americans living in outer suburbs of Boston has increased dramatically in recent years, but little is known about their experiences living in these communities. This study explores the extent of Asian Americans' sense of belonging in selected suburban communities and how they understand and interpret the concept.
     A research team is conducting a survey on and focus groups with Asian Americans in four municipalities, Lexington, Newton, Hopkinton, and Quincy. Topics include civic and political engagement, feelings of safety and comfort, satisfaction with public education, and housing affordability. The four municipalities were chosen for study either by their large numbers or large growth of Asian Americans. For more information or to be a participant, contact Dr. Hongyan Yang at Hongyan.Yang@umb.edu.

Creating Materials for Asian Americans about the Harms of Alcohol Use 

IAAS is collaborating with the Trotter and Gaston Institutes and the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services at the MA Department of Public Health to create materials to reduce alcohol use and prevent alcohol use disorder in communities of color. IAAS is partnering with the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) in Lowell to design and create both print and digital materials that raise awareness about the risks of alcohol use for the Cambodian American community. The project consists of interviewing service providers who work with Cambodian clients and conducting focus groups to evaluate the materials' effectiveness.

Examining School Climate for Asian American Students in Massachusetts

Using survey data collected annually by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), IAAS is analyzing how Asian American students reported their satisfaction of multiple aspects of school climate. The VOCAL survey (Views of Climate and Learning) is administered to students in grades 4,5,8, and 10 and includes nearly 50 questions about students' views on dimensions of engagement, safety, and environment.
     In addition to presenting VOCAL data, the report will summarize results on school climate measures from youth health surveys, and from Panorama data which is used by Boston Public Schools in lieu of the VOCAL survey.

To learn about previous activities, please contact us.