Annual Examples of Excelencia
Evidence-Based Programs That Are Intentional In SERVING Latino, And All, Students:
With the belief that good policy is informed by good practice, Excelencia brings national attention to programs that exemplify an intentional commitment to advancing Latino and other post-traditional students in higher education. These programs demonstrate evidence-based practices that can inform and guide student-centered efforts. Learn more about each of the Examples of Excelencia.
2026 Examples of Excelencia:
The 2026 Examples of Excelencia implement evidence-based practices and exemplify how student-centered, culturally responsive approaches intentionally designed to support students can expand opportunity, promote persistence and completion, and create pathways to economic mobility. Together, these programs demonstrate how practices designed to meet the needs of today’s post-traditional student majority, including Latinos, can benefit all students, communities, and our country.
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Download a copy of the 2026 Examples of Excelencia program profiles for more information about each program’s evidence-based practices and impact:
CAREER AND WORKFORCE:
Spanish for Global Health and Human Services
Institution/Organization:
The University of Texas at Arlington
State: Texas
Area of Impact: Academic Program
Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL, Other, Workforce Pipeline and Health Equity
Program Profile: Download
Learn More: https://catalog.uta.edu/liberalarts/languages/undergraduate/spanish-global-health-human-svcs-minor/
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STUDENT SUPPORT
College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI)
Institution/Organization: Portland Community College
State: Oregon
Area of Impact: Retention
Program Focus: First Year Support, Mentoring
Program Profile: Download
Learn More:
TEACHING AND LEARNING:
The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program
Institution/Organization:
The University of Texas at Arlington
State: Texas
Area of Impact: Academic Program
Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship
Program Profile: Download
Learn More:
2025 Examples of Excelencia:
The 2025 Examples of Excelencia are building faculty pipelines, providing holistic supports that help students earn degrees and credentials, connecting classroom learning to in-demand jobs, and offering research and mentorship experiences that foster persistence, completion, and career success. Together, these programs demonstrate the power of intentional design in facilitating access to excellence for all students.
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ASSOCIATE LEVEL:
General Motors Automotive Service Education Program
(GM ASEP)
Institution/Organization: Cerritos College
State: California
Area of Impact: Academic Program
Program Focus:
Career/Workforce, Mentoring
Program Profile: Download
BACCALAUREATE LEVEL:
ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program
Institution/Organization: California State University, Long Beach
State: California
Area of Impact: Academic Program
Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Undergraduate Research
Program Profile: Download
GRADUATE LEVEL:
Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative
Institution/Organization:
University of Illinois Chicago
State: Illinois
Area of Impact: Retention
Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Other, Doctoral Training and Professionalization
Program Profile: Download
CBO LEVEL: Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity through Education & Career Pathways
Institution/Organization: Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA)
State: Texas
Area of Impact: Support Services
Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Adult Learners
Program Profile: Download
WEBINAR RECORDING
Elevating What Works for Latino Students: A Conversation with Practitioners Leading Successful Programs
During this webinar, representatives from the 2025 Examples of Excelencia share how their programs provide holistic support that helps students earn degrees and credentials, connect classroom learning to in-demand jobs, and offer research and mentorship experiences that foster persistence, completion, and career success.
2024 Examples of Excelencia:
The 2024 Examples of Excelencia were selected from a group of 18 finalists that were gathered from 103 program profile submissions representing 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. ​​
​​Download a copy and read the 2024 edition of What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education for more information about each program’s evidence-based practices and their impact.
ASSOCIATE LEVEL:
English for Academic Purposes
Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College
State: Pennsylvania
Area of Impact: Academic Program
Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL
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BACCALAUREATE LEVEL:
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
Institution/Organization: Washington State University
State: Washington
Area of Impact: Support Services
Program Focus: First-Year Support
GRADUATE LEVEL:
Project upGRADS
Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton
State: California
Area of Impact: Support Services
Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring
CBO LEVEL: Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed
Institution/Organization: The Immokalee Foundation, Inc.
State: Florida
Area of Impact: Access
Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Scholarship