About us

Your information source on improving Latino educational success

Excelencia:

• Identifies, analyzes, and disseminates information on effective higher education practices for Latinos
• Assesses the impact of federal, state, and institutional policies on Latino achievement in higher education
• Assists policymakers, higher education administrators, and other stakeholders improve opportunities for Latino students to succeed in postsecondary education
• Cultivates strategic partnerships and expands the national discourse through the Action Network for Latinos Student Success connecting practitioners, researchers, educators, nonprofit organizations, students and policymakers
• Develops, documents, and evaluates demonstration projects and other programs to support the application of effective practices in public policy and in education institutions

What others are saying about Excelencia

“Sarita Brown has always been focused on what works for students and promoting model programs that improve Latino higher educational success. Excelencia in Education has taken this practice to a new level, by systematically identifying programs that positively impact Latino college enrollment and graduation and analyzing how to replicate the strategies and results.  Excelencia’s knowledge and singular ability work with colleges, universities and higher education decision makers provides a vital resource at a critical time in America."  
– The Honorable Henry Cisneros, chairman of CityView

“Data show that Latino workers will soon comprise 20 percent of the nation’s workforce but only 2 percent of managers. We need to bolster Latino student success in postsecondary education to further expand the nation’s talent pool and ensure that our growing Latino population can share in the American dream. How well we address their needs will determine the quality of our workforce, the nation’s economic growth, and our ability to close equity gaps. In just a short time, Excelencia has played a vital role in higher education policy by focusing policymakers and higher education leaders on the needs of Latino students, and supporting states and institutions whenever and wherever they are needed.”
– The Honorable Richard W. Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education and partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP   

"Since its inception, Excelencia has acknowledged the crucial role of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and has challenged them to double our efforts to get better results. By providing HSIs with knowledge and research on enrollment and attainment rates, Excelencia has helped focus institutions on the important aspects of their mission, including attracting and graduating Latino students and better serving the community. We particularly appreciate Excelencia’s recognition and inclusion of higher education institutions in Puerto Rico and for following up on students who migrate to the mainland.”
 – Jose Jaime Rivera, president, Sacred Heart University, Puerto Rico, Chair of the Board, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)