Mission The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) is a national non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office. APAICS programs focus on developing leadership, building public policy knowledge, and filling the political pipeline for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders to pursue public office at the local, state, and federal levels. History APAICS was founded alongside the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) in 1994 by former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. Originally founded as the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Institute (CAPACI), APAICS continues to support CAPAC by serving as a resource to Congress and promoting a politically active and civically engaged Asian Pacific American community. Partners APAICS partners with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) to offer several joint programs throughout the year. Participants learn about coalition building and develop a greater understanding of the needs and challenges faced by different underserved minority groups.