Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)
Communities and organizations by/for aAPI IMMIGRANTS
Education
Groceries
and
Restaurants
Community
Organizations
Art and
Culture
Religious
Institutions
Indian Born Immigrants
Education
After school cultural and linguistic classes
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St. Louis Modern Chinese School (SLMCS) – Chinese language and cultural arts classes for children and adults.
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St. Louis Chinese Language School – Nonprofit Chinese language and cultural education.
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St. Louis Japanese Language School (Nihongo Gakko) – Weekend Japanese language and cultural classes.
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St. Louis Language Immersion Schools (SLLIS) – Offers Chinese language immersion K–8 programs.
College student clubs and associations
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Saint Louis University (SLU) – Indian Student Association – Student organization promoting Indian culture.
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St. Louis Vietnamese Community (STL VNC) – Cultural education and scholarships for Vietnamese youth.
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Filipino Student Association – SLU – Promotes Filipino culture on campus.
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Philippine United Student Organization – WashU – Filipino cultural and social activities.
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Washington University – Chinese Students Association – Student group promoting Chinese culture.
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WashU – Ashoka (South Asian Student Association) – Cultural events for South Asian students.
English for non-English speakers
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International Institute of St. Louis – ESOL classes, citizenship prep, and adult education.
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LifeWise StL – Community-based ESOL classes with free childcare.
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St. Louis Community College (STLCC) – ESL placement, assessment, and courses.
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St. Charles Community College (SCC) – Adult education and ESL programs.
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St. Louis County Library – ESL Programs – “Cafe English” and conversation circles for ESL learners.
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St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) – ESOL Programs – Bilingual programs for students and adult ESL classes.
Community organizations
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Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC STL); Business and community networking for Asian-owned businesses and community initiatives.
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Afghan Chamber of Commerce: Business and community networking for Afghan-owned businesses and Afghan community.
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OCA St. Louis (OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates): Advocacy, civic engagement, community programs, mentorship, education & awareness.
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Filipino American Association in Missouri: Cultural, social, and community support for Filipino Americans in Missouri.
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St. Louis Pan Asian Collective (STL PAC): Community exploration, cultural events, dialogue among Asian Americans.
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St. Louis Vietnamese Community: Cultural programming, social and educational support for Vietnamese Americans.
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Japanese American Citizens League – St. Louis Chapter: Cultural preservation, civic engagement, Japanese American community support.
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Korean American Association of St. Louis (KAASTL): Cultural promotion, community support, events.
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Gateway Korea Foundation: Korean culture outreach (arts, film, webinars, education).
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Punascha (Bengali Community): Promotes & preserves Bengali culture via festivals, arts, literary heritage.
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St. Louis Indian Cultural Association (SLICA): Cultural festivals, educational programs, outreach.
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Malayalee Association of Saint Louis (STLMA): Fellowship, cultural programs, socialising among Malayalees; preserving Kerala culture.
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India Association of St. Louis (IASTL): Celebrating India’s cultural heritage, helping Indian-origin people settle, education & wellbeing services.
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Telugu Association of Saint Louis (TAS): Bringing together Telugu community via cultural heritage events, membership benefits.
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Bangladesh Association of Greater St. Louis: Cultural, social, educational programming; assisting new arrivals from Bangladesh.
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Greater St. Louis Nepali Chautari (Nepali Community Center): Cultural events, social gathering, supporting the community, especially new arrivals.
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Bal Vihar of St. Louis: Cultural school for children (after school activities)
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Chin Community of Saint Louis (CCSTL): A newer organization (founded ~2023) dedicated to empowering the Chin community via education and resources.
Art and culture
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Chinese Culture Education & Services (CCES / CCESSTL): Focused specifically on Chinese culture, heritage, and education; produces Chinese Culture Days, supports cultural programming in partnership with local institutions (e.g. Botanical Garden).
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St. Louis Modern Chinese School (SLMCS): Offers classes in Chinese language, cultural arts (dance, martial arts, crafts) and regularly appears in cultural performances / events.
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Chinese Education and Culture Center – St. Louis: Dedicated center for teaching Chinese language, promoting Chinese culture, and community cultural programming.
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Au Co Vietnamese Cultural Center: Focuses on nurturing and enhancing the Vietnamese community with programs and seasonal events such as language classes, annual performances, and cultural workshops portraying Southeast Asian culture.
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Japan America Society of St. Louis: Hosts recurring programs like Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) and Ikebana Workshops in St. Charles and University City.
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Japanese Culture Center: Offers classes in Sumi-e painting, focusing on traditional Japanese ink painting techniques.
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Philippine Art Foundation of St. Louis: A dance group that values Filipino traditions and culture through dance. They offer classes for kids, teens, and young adults.
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The Filipino Community Center:
Offers programs in creative expression through painting, traditional crafts, and innovative recycled art projects. They also provide hands-on learning with traditional Filipino instruments and Eskrima martial arts training. -
Bal Vihar of St. Louis: Provides Indian cultural education to students aged 5-18, integrating it with global multicultural society. They offer classes in art, bhajan yoga, community projects, and more.
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Dances of India in St. Louis: One of the oldest classical Indian dance companies in the U.S., offering training in various classical dance forms.
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Gateway Korea Foundation: Provides opportunities for the community to learn about and experience Korean arts and culture through events, webinars, and a YouTube channel.
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King Sejong Institute:
Offers Korean language classes in Wentzville, affiliated with Midwest University. -
American Indian Educational Resources of St. Louis: A community-driven platform focused on promoting American Indian culture, art, and education.
Henna Salons
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Henna Tattoo: Led by the mother and daughter duo Suman & Priya Chandel, they specialize in both traditional as well as modern Henna.
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Henna 314: Small, woman-owned business
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Henna by Zoey: Zoey (Zohra) was born and raised in India. Her Henna techniques where learnt and honed in her homeland before she brought it to STL. She specializes in Bridal Henna.
Religious Institutions
Buddhist Temples
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Van Thu Buddhist Temple: A Vietnamese Buddhist temple offering weekly prayers and celebrating major Buddhist festivals.
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Tu Vien Quang Phap (The Universal Buddhist Congregation Quang Phap Religious Monastic Institute): A large Vietnamese Buddhist center located in a former school building, providing spiritual services and community support.
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Cherokee Buddhist Temple (Wat Buddhamanee Rattanaram): A Theravada Buddhist temple serving the Thai and Lao communities.
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Chua Phat Tu (Compassionate Buddha Temple): A Vietnamese Buddhist temple affiliated with the Ten Thousand Buddhas Summit Monastery in Indiana.
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Fo Guang Shan St. Louis Buddhist Center: A Mahayana Chinese Buddhist temple promoting Humanistic Buddhism.
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Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation St. Louis Chapter: A Buddhist organization focused on charity and humanitarian work.
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Mid-America Buddhist Association (MABA): One of the largest Buddhist temples in the Midwest, offering various Buddhist services and events.
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Dharma Drum Mountain – Pure Mind Center: A Korean Buddhist center offering meditation and teachings.
Hindu Temples
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Murugan Temple of St. Louis: While primarily a Hindu temple, it also serves as a cultural center for the Indian community.
Christian Churches
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Filipino-American Ministry of St. Louis Catholic Church: A ministry within St. Louis Catholic Church supporting and promoting the parish mission among the Filipino community.
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Filipino/Tagalog Mass at St. Louis Catholic Church: A monthly Mass held in Tagalog to serve the Filipino community.
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Korean Presbyterian Church of St. Louis: A Presbyterian church serving the Korean community with services in Korean and English.
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Korean Hope Presbyterian Church: A church offering services and programs for the Korean community.
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Bansuk Baptist Church of St. Louis: A Korean Baptist church located near downtown St. Louis, offering services in Korean.
Islamic Centers
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Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis (IFGSTL): The main mosque in the region, offering daily prayers and community services.
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Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabaah: One of the first established mosques in St. Louis, providing religious services and community outreach.
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Northwest Islamic Center: A mosque serving the northwest St. Louis area, offering prayers and educational programs.
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St. Louis Islamic Center “Nur”: A mosque affiliated with the Islamic Community of North American Bosniaks, offering daily prayers and religious classes.
