< Back to News Page National Nonprofit Unveils Direct Impact Fund for Donors Committed to Latino Student Success Nationwide Dec 17, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education’s Futuro Fund will fuel investment in programming, partnerships, and research working to accelerate Latino college completion goals by 2030 WASHINGTON, D.C. ( December 17, 2024 ) – Excelencia in Education ( Excelencia ) , the nation’s leading organization focused on accelerating Latino student success in higher education, concludes its 20th year of service to its mission this month by announcing the Excelencia Futuro Fund . This new direct impact fund will facilitate investment and collaboration among donors committed to advancing Latino college enrollment, success, and graduation. “Anniversaries remind us of where we’ve been, but they are not destinations. The Futuro Fund marks a significant milestone in our organization’s history with action. We launch the Fund and continue advancing Latino student success with colleges and universities serving all their students,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We invite you to join us in supporting the institutions playing an outsized role in helping more Latino students thrive in college and graduate ready for the workforce and civic leadership. Simply put, this is about investing in what works.” The announcement of the Futuro Fund comes at a pivotal moment — and a shifting policy environment — for American higher education and Latino communities. Hispanic enrollment in higher education has more than doubled since 2008, reflecting the growing share of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. population. Yet there are many more Latino students who could enroll. For those who do, 44% of Latino college students are the first in their families to attend college . That statistic underscores the need to connect Latino students with institutions well-equipped to meet their needs and prepare them for the world of work. Since its founding in 2004, Excelencia has demonstrated a proven track record of identifying evidence-based practices and influencing policy to improve Latino student outcomes. To accelerate this vital work, the Futuro Fund will mobilize support and investment around institutions in the Presidents for Latino Student Success network that are making significant strides toward the ambitious goal of enrolling and graduating 40% of all Latino undergraduates by 2030. The Fund will support greater impact by expanding at least 20 proven strategies that drive measurable improvements in Latino student outcomes. “For 20 years, Excelencia has proven itself an indispensable partner to countless college leaders, educators, and policymakers by transforming research into action, policy into impact, and mere conversation into institutional commitments,” said Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, president of the University at Albany, which welcomed a record number of first-year Latino students in 2024 . “The Fund will support the network of colleges and universities committed to providing learning environments where every Latino student can thrive — and inspire others to join us.” Contributions to the Fund also will provide resources and financial support to the more than 45 colleges and universities that have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia , a nationally recognized certification for institutions that go beyond enrolling Latino students by intentionally supporting their success. Using Excelencia’s framework, Seal-certified institutions outperform other institutions, HSIs and non-HSIs, in Latino student success metrics such as retention and completion rates. “Making good on the promise of college and documenting return-on-investment to the nation through evidence-based outcomes for today’s Hispanic students is vital to the workforce of the future — and the civic and community leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Elizabeth Béjar, provost at Florida International University, a top 50 public research university, one of the nation’s strongest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia -certified university. “For those looking to make a positive, meaningful impact for Hispanic students, the Futuro Fund provides a platform for investing in advocacy, action, and research.” For more information on the Excelencia Futuro Fund and how to support this initiative, visit: EdExcelencia.org/about/donate About Excelencia in Education Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. In 2024, Excelencia marks 20 years of commitment to Latino student success. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Releases Compilation of Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latinos in College Apr 13, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Higher Education Programs Across the Country Identified For Improving Latino Student Achievement In Five Areas WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announces today the release of a compilation of evidence-based programs that are at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latino, and other, students. The compilation, “ Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024 ,” emphasizes cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas: Engagement to Prepare Students and Families in College First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success Excelencia’s compilation brings national attention to noteworthy efforts increasing Latino student success in higher education to inspire and support educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to replicate and bring to scale evidence-based practices. It builds on the organization’s 20-year history of applying a Latino lens to critical issues in postsecondary education while linking data and practice to support Latino student achievement. “ Excelencia increases awareness of programs that work for Latino students with the understanding that what serves our students ultimately serves our country,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “These data-informed and evidence-based practices tell unique stories of our students and prove what is possible. These programs also show there is no excuse for inaction to make a positive difference for students.” For nearly two decades, Excelencia has led the charge in highlighting and growing effective practices for Latino students through Examples of Excelencia . Examples is the only national data-driven effort to recognize and promote programs increasing Latino student success in higher education. Since launching Examples, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to sustain the life-changing work of those programs. “America’s future is brighter with the talents of Latinos,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “Now more than ever, Excelencia commits to bringing national attention to effective efforts advancing students’ higher education journeys to completion. By sharing information and supporting replication we build momentum for institutional transformation that accelerates Latino student success and thus grows our civic leadership and future workforce.” Excelencia releases this publication at Prepárate 2024, a national convening hosted by the College Board for those committed to advancing educational opportunity for Latino students. Together, we champion asset-based approaches that uplift the strengths of and opportunities for Latino students. Programs from the compilation are featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in effective programs for Latino students. “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024” benefited from the support and public leadership of 24 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia : Arizona State University Austin Community College District California State University Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College El Paso Community College Florida International University Grand Valley State University Long Beach City College Mercy University Miami Dade College San Antonio College South Texas College St. Edward’s University University at Albany, SUNY University of Illinois Chicago The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Access the full compilation: EdExcelencia.org/advancing-what-works-latino-students-2024 About Excelencia in Education In 2024, Excelencia in Education marks 20 years of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, advancing institutional practices, and collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

< Back to News Page Business and Education Trailblazers Chosen to Lead Board of National Nonprofit Accelerating Latino Student Success Feb 11, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Results Focused Leaders in Education, Industry, and Policy Advance the Talents of the Latino Community on Excelencia in Education’s Board of Directors WASHINGTON, D.C. ( February 11 , 202 5 ) – Excelencia in Education, the nation’s leading organization focused on accelerating Latino student success in higher education, announce d today two respected change agents in business and higher education will lead its board of directors in 2025. With decades of combined experience in postsecondary education, the private sector, and policy, the full 10-member board will contribute their expertise and vision as Excelencia continues to increase Latinos’ degree attainment through 2030. “ Excelencia remains steadfast in growing Latino excellence through higher education,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We are honored our chair, vice chair, and the full board keep Excelencia at the forefront in shaping the national agenda for expanding Latino talent for the workforce and civic leadership. By informing, catalyzing, and highlighting the colleges and universities that intentionally serve Latino, and all, students, Excelencia serves our country.” The leaders of Excelencia’s board of directors in 2025 are: Board Chair: Massey Villarreal , chief executive officer and president of Precision Task Group, Inc., is a respected business leader and long-time advocate for the Latino community and higher education. Villarreal is immediate past chairman of the Texas Association of Business (TAB) and serves on the Texas Association of Community College Business Advisory Council, the WWII Museum, and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) National Council. He was the first person to serve as chairman of a local, state, and national Hispanic chamber, including the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the Texas State University System Board of Regents. Board Vice Chair: Elizabeth Béjar serves as provost, executive vice president, and chief operating officer of Florida International University, one of 46 institutions that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for striving to go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students. Dr. Béjar is a key member of the university’s executive leadership, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $1.4 billion and providing strategic oversight of the institution’s academic and student success portfolio. Her expertise lies in understanding the changing landscape of higher education; working to propel the value proposition of higher education with intentionality and through the lens of student learning and success and research excellence. Dr. Bejar leads critical strategic initiatives, including the development of the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan, along with an implementation plan to further FIU’s mission to curate a meaningful student experience that leads to excellent outcomes. She joined FIU in 2003 and has held several key leadership positions. Since its founding in 2004, Excelencia in Education has improved Latino students’ higher education achievement through a portfolio linking leadership, data, and evidence-based practices. The organization’s national Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS) network comprises over 200 college and university presidents and chancellors, representing only 6% of institutions yet enrolling 33% and graduating 35% of Latino students nationwide. Additionally, Excelencia conducts analysis on issues impacting Latino students’ college journeys and promotes evidence-based practices advancing their success to inform policy and compel action. “As a business leader, I know Excelencia in Education’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education is essential in keeping America first in the global economy,” said Massey Villarreal, chief executive officer and president of Precision Task Group, Inc ., and chair of Excelencia’s board of directors. “Working with colleges and universities in our national network that intentionally serve Latino, and all, students grows talent that will translate into a skilled workforce and capable leadership.” The other members of the executive committee are: Carlos E. Santiago , past chair, commissioner emeritus of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. , secretary/treasurer, former chief advocacy officer at Ascension Texas Sarita E. Brown , co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education The other leaders in Excelencia’s board are: Audrey Dow , partner at Secoya Affect Maria Harper-Marinick , senior fellow at the Aspen Institute Andrés Henríquez , director of STEM education strategy, US Division, at Education Development Center, Inc. Juan Sánchez Muñoz , chancellor of the University of California, Merced Havidán Rodríguez , president of the University at Albany, State University of New York “The leaders on Excelencia’s board bring diverse perspectives and share a commitment to transforming higher education to ensure Latino, and all, students thrive,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “They are taking responsibility for increasing Latinos’ degree attainment with the understanding that doing so benefits everyone.” Meet the Excelencia in Education Board of Directors : EdExcelencia.org/about/our-people About Excelencia in Education Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Recognizes Programs Intentionally Serving Latino Students in Higher Education Aug 13, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Eighteen Programs Attain National Recognition as Examples of Excelencia Finalists for Evidence-Based Practices Making a Positive Impact on Latino Student Success WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 13, 2024) – In our 20th year of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, Excelencia in Education announced today the finalists for the 2024 Examples of Excelencia , recognizing 18 programs across the country that intentionally serve Latino students in higher education with culturally relevant and asset-based programming. Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino student success in higher education. Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to programs making a positive difference for Latino students across the country. This year’s finalists demonstrate an intentional and aligned approach in supporting Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially. These efforts lead to improved retention and persistence rates as students work toward credit and degree completion. Practitioners and leaders can look to the 2024 Examples of Excelencia finalists as models of what is possible when you intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. “Participating in Examples of Excelencia allows practitioners to assess and share the impact of their program on Latino participants. Excelencia applauds this year’s finalists for ensuring their programming intentionally serves Latino students in comprehensive and asset-based ways to support them to and through college,” said Adriana Rodriguez, COO and vice president for institutional programs at Excelencia in Education. The 18 finalists were selected through a review of 103 program submissions representing higher education institutions and community-based organizations across 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in four categories: associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations. Programmatic details about the finalists will be featured online in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in evidence-based programming for Latino students. On September 30, Excelencia will announce four of the 18 finalists selected as the 2024 Examples of Excelencia at Celebración de Excelencia , the organization’s annual recognition event, in Washington, D.C. The event convenes practitioners, policymakers, and professionals who are setting the national agenda for Latino student success in higher education. This year, Excelencia in Education also recognizes 12 Programs to Watch from eight states. These programs were identified because of their promising efforts already making a positive impact on Latino student success while building their evidence of effectiveness. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia finalists are: ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Community Health Worker from the Richard J. Daley College and the Arturo Velasquez Institute – Chicago, IL English for Academic Purposes from Reading Area Community College – Reading, PA NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) from Cerritos College – Norwalk, CA Pathway to Law School from Santa Ana College – Santa Ana, CA The Village from Cerritos College – Norwalk, CA The Writing Center from Santa Barbara City College – Santa Barbara, CA BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Scholars Project from Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ Pedagogical Interest Groups (PIGs) from Indiana University Northwest – Gary, IN The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) from Washington State University – Pullman, WA Upward Bound from California State University, San Bernardino – San Bernardino, CA GRADUATE LEVEL: Master of Science in Higher Education (MSHE) from California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA Master of Arts in Multilingual and Multicultural Studies from Texas Woman’s University – Denton, TX Project upGRADS from California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS: College Bound / College Success from Foundation for a College Education – East Palo Alto, CA LEAF College Success Program from Latino Education Advancement Foundation – San Jose, CA Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed from The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. – Immokalee, FL Thrive Scholars 6-Year Program from Thrive Scholars – Los Angeles, CA Enhancing Career Pathways for Latinos in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) from Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) – Mercedes, TX Learn more about the 2024 finalists for the Examples of Excelencia : EdExcelencia.org/what-works-examples-excelencia/examples-excelencia-finalists About Excelencia in Education Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. In 2024, Excelencia marks 20 years of commitment to Latino student success. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

< Back to News Page Trendsetting Institutions Earn the Seal of Excelencia for Going Beyond Enrollment to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students Oct 1, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Certifies 17 Colleges and Universities That Detail Efforts to Become Learning Environments Where Latino Students Thrive WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announced today 17 colleges and universities have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2024. The Seal is a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment and more intentionally serve Latino students. This year marks the organization’s 20th year of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. In 2018, Excelencia introduced the Seal of Excelencia to certify trendsetting colleges and universities for their efforts to become learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. The Seal of Excelencia framework represents a rigorous assessment of certified institutions’ intentionality and impact in improving outcomes such as retention, financial support, and degree completion for Latino students by aligning efforts across data, practice, and leadership. Seal certification remains valid for three years, after which institutions have the opportunity to recertify progress. Higher education, business, philanthropy, and government leaders in Excelencia’s community of common cause convened in Washington, D.C., for the announcement of eight institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia for the first time and nine that earned recertification. It was part of the organization’s National Policy Forum, focused on advancing policies to accelerate Latinos’ degree attainment and strengthen our country’s civic leadership and workforce. These 17 Seal-certified institutions exemplify the kinds of programs and practices that inform good policy. “The colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia lead the charge in meeting our nation’s degree attainment goals,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education. “They demonstrate commitment to Latino student success through impact and ongoing self-assessment.” This year’s cohort of newly certified and recertified institutions belongs to a community of 46 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal. Together, they represent less than 1% of all institutions but enroll 17% and graduate 19% of all Latino students nationwide. The eight newly certified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: California State University, East Bay (CA) California State University, San Bernardino (CA) California State University San Marcos (CA) Cerritos College (CA) Hartnell College (CA) Pima Community College (AZ) San Francisco State University (CA) Sul Ross State University (TX) The nine recertified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: California State University, Fresno (CA) California State University, Fullerton (CA) Miami Dade College (FL) San Diego State University (CA) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (TX) University of California, Merced (CA) University of California, Riverside (CA) University of Central Florida (FL) Wilbur Wright College (IL) “Today, we’re moving toward opportunity and success for more of our Latino students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, “That’s thanks to the leadership and staff at Excelencia in Education. For twenty years, you’ve shown that when we do the hard work, when we’re relentless in our care for the seed of an idea, we can and will grow success for Latino students in higher education. Congratulations to all of the honorees – I really cannot wait to see where we’ll go together next.” Institutions in Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS) have committed to becoming learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive, and are eligible to apply for the Seal. To earn the Seal of Excelencia , they must demonstrate: An intentional, institutional focus on advancing Latino student success by aligning data and practice; Deliberate and ongoing assessment to identify and implement strategies that improve Latino student achievement; Leadership commitment to continue transforming into an environment where Latino students thrive; and, A long-term and unwavering commitment to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. “Students and families as well as leaders in philanthropy, business, and government look to colleges and universities that earned the Seal of Excelencia when making their institutional choices,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education. “ Excelencia is proud to partner with institutions ensuring America’s bright future by advancing the talents of the Latino community.” Learn more about the institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia certification and recertification this year: EdExcelencia.org/seal-excelencia/seal-excelencia-certified-institutions About Excelencia in Education Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. In 2024, Excelencia marks 20 years of commitment to Latino student success. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, success, and completion at 8 Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back Reality Check: Hispanic-Serving Institutions on the Texas Border Strategizing Financial Aid Deborah A. Santiago January 2011 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Executive Summary SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview As Latino representation in U.S. higher education grows, a reality check of institutional practices that support Latino students' access, persistence, and graduation is needed. This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, academic success and degree completion at eight Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) located along the U.S.-Mexico border serving low-income communities. These institutions rank among the top institutions, both statewide and nationally, in enrolling and graduating Latino students: Texas A&M International University The University of Texas at Brownsville The University of Texas at El Paso The University of Texas Pan American Laredo Community College Texas Southmost College El Paso County Community College District South Texas College Understanding what influences Latino students' financial aid choices and which institutional practices are effective in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students is directly relevant to other institutions that are only beginning to experience growth in the number of their non-traditional students. The findings of this brief are intended to inform the programs and services at institutions with growing Hispanic enrollment, as well as state and federal policymakers addressing the broader growth of Hispanic students throughout higher education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Our Agenda for Reform makes policy recommendations to the federal student aid and work-study programs to improve college access and support retention and completion. < Back The Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery (RADD) Consortium for the Reform of Federal Student Aid Grants and Work-Study Excelencia in Education; Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP; College Board; Committee for Economic Development; National Urban League May 2015 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Over the last three decades, the cost of college has increased nearly four times faster than the median family income. Financial aid has not filled this growing gap, resulting in “unmet financial need.” These policy recommendations for redesigning the student aid system are designed to help all students afford and complete college. A five-member consortium comprised of Excelencia in Education, the Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP, College Board, the Committee for Economic Development, and the National Urban League authored this brief, which was made possible through the support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Many of today’s college students fit a “post-traditional” student profile, in that they are independent, adults age 25 and older, parents, and work more than 20 hours per week. These students often face financial barriers to college access and completion as a result of their managing multiple roles and responsibilities. This brief uses guiding principles to recommend reforms to the federal student aid and work-study programs to increase post-traditional student success in higher education. These principles include: 1) increase economic opportunity for all students; 2) provide clear and transparent federal aid; 3) use evidence based practices to serve low-income, disadvantaged students; 4) ensure federal aid and a manageable amount of work and loans are adequate to complete postsecondary education for qualified students; 5) address all barriers to degree completion; and 6) hold institutions receiving federal funding accountable for keeping college affordable and strengthening student success. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This report portrays perspectives and leadership choices by select college and university presidents on the front lines of the changing higher education landscape. < Back Leading in a Changing America: Presidential Perspectives from Hispanic-Serving Institutions Deborah A. Santiago May 2009 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This report portrays the perspectives and leadership choices by a select group of college and university presidents who are on the front lines of the changing higher education landscape. These leaders offer pragmatic approaches for serving first generation college-going students in the present and visions for the future of higher education that can inform the future of public policy in higher education to serve a changing America. All are presidents of institutions that enroll large numbers of nontraditional college students in some of the largest and most populous states in the country: California, New York, and Texas. Their institutions rank among the top in the country in both enrolling and graduating Latinos. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia collaborated with 4 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and their employer partners to learn how they prepare Latino students for the workforce. < Back Tapping Latino Talent: How HSIs are Preparing Latino Students for the Workforce Janette Martinez; Deborah A. Santiago July 2020 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Institutions that know who they are serving, like the ones featured in this report, can more readily adapt to serve their students best - especially in challenging times. Latinos’ degree attainment and skill development are important to our nation’s need for a competitive workforce and strong civic leadership. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) enroll the majority of Latino students (67%) and thus can play an integral part in Latino students’ academic success and workforce preparation. Trendsetting HSIs are continuously adapting their efforts to support students’ strengths and meet their needs. Excelencia in Education collaborated with practitioners at four trendsetting HSIs and their employer partners to learn how they are preparing their students to enter into the workforce and remain competitive: Felician University (New Jersey) Florida International University (Florida) CUNY Lehman College (New York) Texas Woman’s University (Texas) This brief was ready to be released before the Covid-19 pandemic. Excelencia followed up with the leaders of these four institutions to learn how they shifted their efforts in order to serve their students. Findings: Five strategies to SERVE that were consistent across the institutions are detailed in this brief: Workforce preparation is a goal across campus, not just the role of the career services offices. The institutions have adapted to changes in workforce demands and changes in their student bodies. Institutions are emphasizing experiential learning opportunities in and outside the classroom to expand access to hands-on learning. Institutions are revamping their workforce efforts based on data and using data to continually evolve. The institutions work with local employers to meet the needs of the region and make the transition from school to work easier for their students. Webinar Presenters: Deborah Santiago , CEO, Excelencia in Education (moderator) Janette Martinez , Senior Policy and Research Analyst, Excelencia in Education Nicolas Valencia Diaz , Biomedical Engineering student, Florida International University Patricia Roe , Vice President of Philanthropy, Strada Education Network Mark Rosenberg , President, Florida International University and Excelencia President for Latino Student Success Webinar-Presentation-Tapping-Latino-Talent .pdf Download PDF • 2.11MB Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

For 20 years, Excelencia has conducted and released its annual analysis that provides insight on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging HSIs (eHSIs), and HSIs with Graduate Programs (gHSIs). Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has conducted and released its annual analysis that provides insight on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging HSIs (eHSIs), and HSIs with Graduate Programs (gHSIs). Excelencia in Education leadership has worked with, studied, and learned from institutions meeting the HSI criteria over the years. Along the way, Excelencia : developed a methodology for creating a list of HSIs; created and popularized the category of Emerging Hispanic-Serving institutions (eHSIs); added the development of lists for Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate programs (gHSIs); produced analysis, lists, and briefs to better understand Latino student success; and, engaged communities of HSIs committed to more intentionally serve their students. Stay tuned for updated analysis on HSIs, eHSIs, and gHSIs in April 2025. HSI Lists: 2022-23 What is included in Excelencia’s release and how can I learn more using this analysis? 600 HSIs Hispanic-Serving Institutions LEARN MORE 412 eHSIs Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions LEARN MORE 252 gHSIs Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs LEARN MORE Factbook Learn more from Excelencia’s summary of HSIs, eHSIs, and gHSIs in the HSIs Factbook . LEARN MORE Dashboard Explore the 2022-23 data on HSIs in Excelencia’s new HSI interactive dashboard. LEARN MORE Infographic Visualize fast facts with Excelencia’s 2022-23 HSIs Infographic . LEARN MORE StoryMap Learn more about the evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap. LEARN MORE Webinar: Attaining Latino Student Success: HSIs Leading in Economic Mobility Excelencia in Education and Third Way webinar about Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the critical role they play in accelerating Latino student success. Moderator : Deborah Santiago , Co-Founder and CEO, Excelencia in Education Panelists : Fernando Delgado , President, CUNY Lehman College and an Excelencia President for Latino Student Success Alam Hasson , Interim Vice Provost, Fresno State University, Seal of Excelencia certified institution Magdalena Hinojosa , Senior VP of Strategic Enrollment & Student Affairs, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Seal of Excelencia certified institution Expand Your Knowledge about HSIs with Excelencia What are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and how have they evolved? Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) first received federal funding in 1995–three years after being initially included in the Higher Education Act. HSIs are defined in federal legislation as accredited, degree-granting public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. Since the organization’s founding, Excelencia in Education has released its annual analysis on this critical group of institutions enrolling and graduating Latino students. In 2022-23, there were 600 HSIs, located in 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These institutions represent 20% of all colleges and universities yet enroll 63% of Latino undergraduates. What is the purpose of HSIs? The classification of HSIs was formally recognized in federal legislation for capacity-building support to improve academic quality and access to excellence at institutions with a high concentration of Latino students. While HSIs, by definition, have student bodies that are at least 25% Hispanic, they serve students of various backgrounds How are HSIs funded? Institutions are not guaranteed any funding because they meet HSI enrollment criteria. Rather, they are eligible for competitive grants and must demonstrate the quality and merit of their work. Federal funding earned through competitive HSI grants does not require use exclusively or specifically for Hispanic students. It may be used to serve all students. In 30 years, only about one-third of institutions that meet the enrollment definition of HSIs have received funding under Title V. What have we learned about HSIs from Excelencia ? Excelencia in Education’s first publication in 2004 was “Latino Student Success at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.” And we have continued examining HSIs and their role in Latino student success in higher education ever since to frame issues, contexts, understanding and opportunities. For example, we created the emerging HSI indicator in 2009 based on our analysis of concentrated enrollment and institutional effort for intentionally serving Latinos. What data can researchers access to do their own research on HSIs? Excelencia in Education is making three datasets available over the years of HSIs, Emerging HSIs, and HSIs with Graduate programs for researchers to conduct their own analysis for a nominal fee. Learn More Where are HSIs located now and and how has this evolved? This provides an interactive set of story maps that visualize the representation of HSIs by growth, sector, and geography. Explore Our StoryMap What are Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions? Excelencia in Education created the term "Emerging HSIs" as a way to track institutions on their way to becoming an HSIs. Emerging HSIs are defined as institutions as public or not-for-profit degree granting institutions with 15-24.9% Latino undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment. Learn More What are Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs? Of the 600 Hispanic-Serving Institutions in 2022-23, 252 offer graduate degrees (162 offer doctoral degrees as the highest degree, 71 offer master’s degrees, and 19 offer a post-master’s certificate). Learn More All HSIs Resources Since the organization’s founding, Excelencia has released its annual analysis on this critical group of institutions enrolling and graduating Latino students, including research on: The latest list of HSIs, Emerging HSIs, and HSIs with Graduate Programs Excelencia’s methodology for creating a list of HSIs The 2022-23 data on HSIs in Excelencia’s HSI interactive dashboard The evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap Scroll by using the arrows below to navigate through all research available.

Research suggests diversity on campus benefits all students. This brief provides a summary of Latino faculty and their representation in postsecondary education. < Back Latino Faculty in Postsecondary Education Morgan Taylor; Deborah A. Santiago June 2017 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Research suggests that diversity on campus—both student diversity and faculty diversity—benefits all students by providing diverse perspectives and expanding cultural competencies for all students and contributing to the persistence and degree attainment of students of color. Latino faculty and all faculty of color also serve as role models and mentors students of color and can help those students improve in their academic progress. While Latinos represented about 16 percent of all undergraduates, they only represented four percent of full-time faculty. This brief provides a summary of Latino faculty and their representation in postsecondary education. Learn more about practices that advance student success visit our searchable Growing What Works database. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

While Latino enrollment decreased in 2020, we continue to see an increase in Latino college completion (LCC). This brief provides the most up-to-date overview of LCC. < Back Latino College Completion: 2019-2020 Excelencia in Education July 2022 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview While Latino enrollment decreased in 2020, we continue to see an increase in Latino college completion. This brief provides the most up-to-date overview of Latino college completion, including the top institutions where Latinos earn degrees, and progress towards the goal of Ensuring America’s Future through 6.2 million more Latino undergraduate degrees by 2030. Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2022). Latino College Completion: 2019-2020 . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Latino College Enrollment: Past, Current, and Projections Latino student college enrollment had been growing at an accelerated pace for more than 20 years, but in 2020 dropped significantly despite previous projections of continued growth. In this fact sheet, we provide a summary of past, current, and projected Latino student enrollment. LEARN MORE Infographics to share Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce