The Knowledge River Program recruits, retains, and empowers ethnically diverse practitioners in libraries, archives, and museums. < Back Knowledge River Program Institution: University of Arizona State: Arizona Academic Level: Graduate Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Discipline/Subject Website: https://ischool.arizona.edu/knowledge-river Key Personnel: Berlin Loa Contact Info: berlin@arizona.edu Overview The Knowledge River Program recruits, retains, and empowers ethnically diverse practitioners in libraries, archives, and museums; and ensures equitable access to information for underrepresented communities with a focus on Latino/Chicano, Black, and Indigenous scholars. Program Goals: Recruit, support and train Hispanic scholars who can meet the needs in libraries, archives, and museums. Build knowledge, skills, and abilities of information science professionals towards understanding the needs of Hispanic end users and adjusting services to meet those needs. Program Description The Knowledge River program partners with Pima County Public Library, Arizona State University, and others to place scholars in learn-by-doing positions to support their academic studies and provide opportunities to work with the needs of Hispanic library users. These placements are classified as graduate-assistant positions that include a salary at 20 hours per week, health benefits, and tuition remission. The model of the program is to fully fund scholars during their master’s program. Outcome Of the 34 Knowledge River Scholars in the last three academic years, 22 scholars have identified as Hispanic/Latino (64%). The graduation rate for all KR Scholars is 96%. Program alumni are now working in almost half of US states, and in Sydney, Australia, and Puerto Rico. Job placements range from federal agencies to tribal libraries and cultural centers. Some are working at national professional organizations such as the Association of College and Research Libraries at four-year universities and community colleges while others still are working at public libraries, archives, and museums. Of Knowledge River scholars, 19 have earned or are currently pursuing a Ph.D., 15 of whom are Hispanic (79%). Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in Arizona Filter by Issue Area Academic Program Bilingual Nursing Fellows Program Academic Program Knowledge River Program Academic Program

ACE motivates underrepresented students to complete high school and continue on to complete a college degree. < Back Achieving a College Education (ACE) Program- Maricopa Community College District Institution: Maricopa Community College District State: Arizona Academic Level: Associate Issue Area: Access Program Focus: Dual Degree/Dual Credit/Early College High School, Summer Bridge Website: https://www.southmountaincc.edu/become-student/early-college/ace Key Personnel: Stella Torres Contact Info: X Overview The Maricopa Achieving a College Education(ACE) Program is nationally recognized for its proven success in motivating underrepresented students to complete high school and continue on to complete a college degree. ACE's three goals are 1) to increase the number of students graduating from high school, 2) to increase the number of students continuing on to college, and 3) to increase the number of students earning a college level degree or certificate. Program Description For over 30 years, the ACE Program has been a collaboration between area universities, high schools, "at risk" students, and parents. The Ford Foundation sponsored a study in 1999, and found that nine essential elements make the ACE program a success with students and parents: 1) the creation of student cohort groups, 2) a focus on at-risk students, 3) high academic standards, 4) a non-threatening environment, 5) continuous contact with students, 6) family involvement, 7) strong collaboration between institutions, 8) long overlap of transition points, and 9) scholarships and financial aid information. The ACE cycle takes two years and integrates the nine essential elements. Students take college classes during the fall, spring and summer semesters, at a Maricopa Community College and Rio Salado ACE which has an on-line format. During the two years, students may earn up to 24 college credits. Additionally, students and their families participate in an orientation and a series of ongoing activities and events, such as financial aid and career workshops, designed to keep them informed and connected throughout the two years. Outcome Increasing high school graduation: In 2014, graduation rates were 90%, in 2015-2017 92%, and in 2018, it was 94%. Average GPA of students: In 2018, ACE student’s high school GPA was 3.43 and their college GPA was 3.08. 2017 impact: Of 769 students, 45% continued into a community college, 8% continued from community college to a four year, and 24% of students continued straight to a four year culminating in 78% of ACE completers continuing onto college post program completion. College going impact: As of 2020, over the past five cohorts, 62% of students completing the ACE program have continued into the Maricopa Community Colleges. Overall impact: 5,259 ACE alumni have earned one or more postsecondary certificates or degrees leading to a total of 10,273 degrees among graduates. This includes, 496 certificates, 1,621 Associate’s degrees, 2,802 Bachelor’s degrees, 302 Master’s degrees, 25 Professional degrees and 13 Doctoral degrees. Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in Arizona Filter by Issue Area Access Achieving a College Education (ACE) Program- Maricopa Community College District Access Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program (HMDP) Access Joaquin Bustoz Math - Science Honors Program Access Quantitative Research in the Life and Social Sciences Program (QRLSSP) Access

The mission of the program is to empower Rio Grande Valley residents to achieve economic prosperity through training, resources, and career pathways. < Back Enhancing Career Pathways for Latinos in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Institution: Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) State: Texas Academic Level: Community-Based Organization Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: Career/Workforce Website: https://www.vidacareers.org/ Key Personnel: Irma Garcia Contact Info: igarcia@vidacareers.org | 956.903.1900 x126 Overview The mission of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is to empower Rio Grande Valley (RGV) residents to achieve economic prosperity through market-driven training, resources, and career pathways. VIDA serves low-income adults from Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy counties in South Texas, representing the most vulnerable demographics in the region. These individuals face a multitude of barriers to higher education completion, which VIDA aims to address through customized support services and intensive case management. The continued goal is to impact sustainable economic growth in the region by educating one VIDA (life) at a time. The program aims to achieve 90% or higher training persistence rates annually, maintain credentialing rates of 85% or higher over three years, and facilitate a wage increase of 150% or higher from pre-VIDA enrollment to post-VIDA completion for non-traditional Latino students. Program Description Throughout the 1990s, the RGV faced significant economic challenges due to foreign competition leading to textile plant closures and layoffs. In response, VIDA was founded in October 1995 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to address high unemployment and workforce skills gaps. With a per capita income of $6.35 per hour, the region struggled as unemployment rose, impacting families and the community. VIDA adopts a holistic, worker-centered approach, providing wraparound services to support each student's success and employment. Participants undergo skills assessments, receive tailored academic advice and career counseling, and are connected with suitable career pathways. They also receive financial assistance and soft skills training to overcome barriers to higher education. Job placement assistance and follow-up support are provided, with employment tracking for three years post-graduation. Outcome Over the past three years, VIDA has provided assistance to Latino students, many of whom are first-generation college students and adult learners. The program's comprehensive wraparound support services address economic and social barriers, leading to high persistence rates among participants. In 2022-2023, 96% of the students served in the program were Latino. Key Achievements: 2023: Assisted 603 Latinos in pursuing a higher education; 84% were first-generation college students and 56% were adult learners (25 years or older). 2022: Assisted 523 Latinos in pursuing a higher education; 81% were first-generation college students and 59% were adult learners. Achieved a 94% persistence rate compared to South Texas College's 51%. 2021: Assisted 451 Latinos in pursuing a higher education; 80% were first-generation college students and 57% were adult learners. Achieved a 93% persistence rate compared to South Texas College's 60%. VIDA's program has been recognized by The Institute of College Access and Success (TICAS) as one of the nation's evidence-based college completion programs impacting public four-year institutions. Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in Texas Filter by Issue Area Support Services AlamoADVISE Support Services College and Career Success Support Services Enhancing Career Pathways for Latinos in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Support Services Graduate Support Center Support Services Title III: Leadership, Excellence and Academic Preparation in STEM (LEAPS) Program Support Services Upward Bound – Trinity University Support Services ¡Éxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training Support Services

Jessica Marie Arguello serves as the Institutional Engagement Coordinator of Excelencia in Education. Jessica supports and coordinatates the enrollment, onboarding, and engagement of institutions within the Presidents for Latino Student Success network. < Back to Our People Page Jessica Marie Arguello Institutional Engagement Coordinator Excelencia in Education Email: jarguello@edexcelencia.org Current Position: My role in the Institutional Engagement team is to support and coordinate the enrollment, onboarding, and engagement of institutions within the Presidents for Latino Student Success network. I work closely with the team to grow the number of institutions in the network, track engagement, respond to inquiries, and maintain a high year-to-year retention rate. Past Experiences: After receiving my undergraduate degree in Social Work (April 2010) from Florida International University, I served as a Research Assistant from 2012-2017 and gained experience in higher education. I then joined the School of Social Work as their Senior Program Coordinator for the Office of Field Education, while obtaining my graduate degree in Higher Education Administration (August 2021). My skills in higher education and social work were guided by professors and mentors that continue to challenge my journey as a life-long student. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I brought my talent and skills to Excelencia in Education, because of my passion for discovering evidence-based practices that transform and accelerate Latino students in higher education. I relate to this organization as a Latina and life-long student of higher education and my goal is to empower others that are motivated to work in this field in transforming the country towards equity and inclusion. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia in Education, feels aspirational on a daily basis. Our organization is working with institutions on a national platform to highlight the success of the transformational journey these institutions are paving. To work with leaders committed and dedicated to the growth of their Latino students is the greatest motivation to continue the mission, vision, and goals of Excelencia in Education.

Joey Marin serves as Executive Assistant of Excelencia in Education. Joey supports the CEO across organizational efforts and assists the Executive Team with the management and tracking of projects throughout Excelencia’s portfolios. < Back to Our People Page Joey Marin Executive Assistant Excelencia in Education Email: jmarin@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As Executive Assistant, Joey directly supports the CEO across organizational efforts and assists the Executive Team with the management and tracking of projects throughout Excelencia’s portfolios. Joey coordinates scheduling for the President and the CEO, supports organizational culture by facilitating internal communication between executives and staff, and maintains contact with external collaborators. Past Experiences: Joey joined Excelencia with a wide range of private and public sector experience, providing administrative support to organizations both small and large. Most recently, he served as Senior Clerk at the Student & Teacher Integrated Center for Health Sciences (STICHES), a U.S. Department of Education Title V grant project at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus. While there, he provided wraparound services to pre-nursing and pre-health sciences students during their first two years of college. A first-generation post-traditional college student, Joey received his associate’s degree in Political Science from Miami Dade College and his bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with a minor in Anthropology and Sociology, from Florida International University. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As someone who transferred from a community college to a public university while working full-time, I am personally motivated to help increase the engagement of Latino students in higher education and ensure their pathway toward robust professional careers. Excelencia’s commitment to accelerating Latino student success beyond typical metrics, such as full-time college enrollment or financial aid status, sees the whole of our community while also recognizing the distinct needs of all students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Excelencia is constantly working with institutional and community-based leaders to listen, learn, and help develop ways to more intentionally serve Latino students. It is a privilege to work with such a diverse, professional, and innovative team that is so passionately invested in supporting students throughout their academic journeys.

From Washington, D.C., to Texas, to California, Excelencia in Education’s team collaborates with leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and government to ensure Latino, and all, students are served with intentionality and impact. Our People From Washington, D.C., to Texas, to California, Excelencia in Education’s team collaborates with leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and government to ensure Latino, and all, students are served with intentionality and impact. Click on the tabs below to explore. Excelencia Leadership Excelencia Staff Board of Directors Sarita E. Brown President Excelencia in Education Deborah A. Santiago Chief Executive Officer Excelencia in Education Guadalupe Acosta Digital Manager Lily Cuellarsola Research Analyst Dorian Díaz Director of Technical Assistance Jennifer Gomez-Chavez Vice President for Institutional Engagement Emily Labandera Director of Research Madelyn Lucas Policy Analyst Alexis Padilla-Torres Institutional Engagement Manager Melva Yanes Finance Manager Jessica Marie Arguello Institutional Engagement Coordinator Matt Cuozzo Chief of Staff Cintia Elenstar Director of Institutional Programs Honee Herrera Gil Institutional Capacity Coordinator Jessica Leach Grants Manager Joey Marin Executive Assistant Eyra Pérez Vice President of Institutional Capacity Alexia Carrillo Villalobos Policy & Research Analyst Elizabeth Davis Director of Finance Mateo Enriquez Technical Assistance Manager Star Huff Senior Operations Manager Dianey Leal Strategic Partnerships Manager Cindy Mendiola-Perez Director of Institutional Capacity Adriana Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Institutional Programs Cassy Castañón Technical Assistance Manager JP Deering Communications Manager Olivia Glad Institutional Programs Coordinator Andrianna Johnson Development Coordinator Estela López Senior Associate Noé Ortiz Senior Manager, Program Operations Iris Yan Research Analyst Massey Villarreal Chair Chief Executive Officer & President Precision Task Group, Inc. Sarita E. Brown Board Member President Excelencia in Education Havidán Rodríguez Board Member President University at Albany - State University of New York Elizabeth Bejar Vice Chair Provost, Executive Vice President, and COO Florida International University Audrey Dow Board Member Partner, Secoya Affect Campaign for College Opportunity Juan Sánchez Muñoz Board Member Chancellor University of California-Merced Carlos E. Santiago Past Chair Commissioner Emeritus Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) Maria Harper-Marinick Board Member Senior Fellow Aspen Institute Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. Secretary/Treasurer Former Chief Advocacy Officer Ascension Texas Andrés Henríquez Board Member Director of STEM Education Strategy, US Division Education Development Center, Inc. Employment Opportunities Join Excelencia’s Team Excelencia in Education’s team is expanding to serve our mission of accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Find current opportunities to join our team below. Current Opportunities This page will be updated as opportunities become available. Special Assistant to the President & Board Liaison (DC): At Excelencia , the Special Assistant to the President is part of the executive team and directly supports the President with special projects and events, internal and external communications, and provides executive administrative support, as needed. As Board Liaison this team member directly supports activities and interactions by the President and CEO with the Board of Directors and serves as the point of contact to the Board (and their staff) with timely communications about business and committee meetings and strategic planning sessions. DOWNLOAD DESCRIPTION Vice President of Communications: As Vice President of Communications, you will develop a strategic messaging and public relations approach to inspire more mission-aligned colleges and universities to attain Seal certification, engage influential funders to invest in transformative change in higher education, and raise the visibility of Excelencia’s growing impact. Reporting to the President and CEO, you will lead a high-performing team of two and develop a communications strategy that strengthens Excelencia’s position as the leading authority on Latino student success and a trusted intermediary between institutions, funders, and stakeholders. DOWNLOAD DESCRIPTION Director of Development: As Director of Development, you will lead efforts to expand and diversify Excelencia’s fundraising approach, enhancing a well-established portfolio of foundation and corporate partnerships. Building on the success of our CEO and President, who have secured support from notable funders such as Mackenzie Scott, the Gates Foundation, and the Lumina Foundation, you will play a key role in ensuring a sustainable funding pipeline to advance our mission. DOWNLOAD DESCRIPTION

Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. serves as the Former Chief Advocacy Officer for Ascension Texas, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. Former Chief Advocacy Officer Ascension Texas Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. most recently served as Chief Advocacy Officer for Ascension Texas, part of Ascension, one of the leading non-profit and Catholic healthcare systems in the United States. At Ascension Texas, he was responsible for Texas’ Advocacy, Community Investment, Human Trafficking, Hospital Based Violence Intervention, and Medical Response Unit. He is the first person in his family to graduate from high school, college, and law school. Over the past 25 years he has consistently served his community in a variety of capacities, including board service on multiple national, state, and local non-profit organizations focused on board governance, fiduciary, and leadership issues. He currently serves on the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees, the Austin Community Foundation Board of Governors, and the Hector and Gloria Lopez Foundation Board of Directors. He has held positions in two presidential administrations, serving as Deputy Associate Director and later Acting Associate Director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel where he was responsible for recommending a third of the President’s senior-level appointments. He was also responsible for advising senior White House staff on appointments affecting the Hispanic community. Additionally, he has served in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and in the East Wing Office of Congressional Affairs where he helped in legislative preparations for the Seattle Round of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference. He also served in the U.S. Department of Labor as Counsel to the Solicitor, helping oversee U.S. labor and employment laws and Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.

The mission of Latino U College Access’s FGF program is to empower low-income, first-generation students on their journeys through college. < Back First-Gen Forward (FGF) Institution: Latino U College Access State: New York Academic Level: Community-Based Organization Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce Website: http://latinou.org Key Personnel: Cosette Gutierrez Contact Info: cgutierrez@latinou.org Overview The mission of Latino U College Access’s (LUCA) First-Gen Forward (FGF) program is to empower low-income, first-generation students on their journeys through college. Each year that Scholars are in college, the LUCA team engages with them and their families to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources to persist and graduate. Additionally, the organization collaborates with corporate volunteers to deliver career-readiness programs that engage Scholars on topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, networking, professional etiquette, site visits and other soft skills that first-gen students may not be otherwise exposed to. LUCA envisions a world where low-income, first- generation students have equal access to higher education that will open doors to professional positions of influence. Program Description First-Gen Forward provides a multifaceted approach to ensure hard-working students learn how to navigate college, how to be resilient in the face of challenges, and how to succeed academically. The program has five pillars: College Transition Workshops; Corporate Site Visits; Individualized Scholar Check-Ins; College and Career Success Workshops; and Mentorship. The program ensures successful course registration, provides financial aid support, and access to an emergency Scholar Support Fund. The program also leverages an evidence-based curriculum from The Opportunity Network designed for first-generation, low-income students. The program’s College 411 Network provides peer-to-peer mentoring, while teaching Scholars the importance of collaboration and giving back to the community. Lastly, the First-Gen Padres program component provides opportunities to educate and support parents on the expectations and preparations for their child's transition to college, academic success, and graduation. Outcome FGF Scholars in college and on track to graduate within four years is 98%. FGF Scholars that maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better is 70%. All FGF Scholars (100%) rated corporate site visits extremely useful in helping them explore career opportunities. Over half of FGF Scholars (57%) are studying in STEM-related fields. Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in New York Filter by Issue Area Retention Accelerate, Complete, Engage Program (ACE) at John Jay College Retention Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) - Bronx Community College Retention Diversity Programs in Engineering (DPE) Retention First-Gen Forward (FGF) Retention Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) Program Retention Program for Research Initiatives in Science & Math (PRISM) Retention

The primary goal of MSMP is to assist the growing number of multicultural first-year students with their academic and social transition to college. < Back Multicultural Student Mentor Program (MSMP) Institution: Washington State University State: Washington Academic Level: Baccalaureate Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: First Year Support, Mentoring Website: http://msmp.wsu.edu Key Personnel: J.Manuel Acevedo Contact Info: acevedo@wsu.edu | 509.335.1071 Overview The primary goal of the Multicultural Student Mentor Program (MSMP) is to assist the growing number of multicultural first-year students with their academic and social transition to college. This program strives to promote and facilitate student interaction and provides opportunities for peer mentors and mentees to connect and form strong academic relationships to foster success in their college experience. Program Description To help integrate first-year multicultural college students into the college environment, the Office of Minority Affairs established MSMP in 1988 as a retention strategy to welcome and help incoming students in their transition and adjustment to the university environment. MSMP focuses on improving multicultural student retention rates by providing mentoring, tutoring, and academic success workshops to students. This program has been helpful for both the students and the institution. The program provides mentors with excellent leadership experience, and mentees with a strong peer connection while increasing the university’s retention rates. Over the last 30 years, the program has become one of the most solid university retention strategies for multicultural students and one of the best practices of students serving students. The program has also experienced significant growth in the number of mentors from their initial 6 to now 60. The support, training, and guidance of the mentors has also evolved greatly with the establishment of training retreats and a class dedicated to learning mentoring theory and praxis. Each academic year, over 1300 first-year multicultural students participate as mentees in this program and a university commitment to the program has increased over the years. Outcome The fall-to-fall retention rate for the 2015 cohort was 76.9%. The fall-to-fall retention rate for the 2016 cohort was 84.4% Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in Washington Filter by Issue Area Retention Multicultural Student Mentor Program (MSMP) Retention

Vernon B. Harper Jr. is President of California State University-Bakersfield and a President for Latino Student Success. < Back to P4LSS Main Page California State University-Bakersfield Vernon B. Harper Jr. President Institution website: https://www.csub.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csub.edu/president/about-president.shtml Vernon B. Harper Jr. is President of California State University-Bakersfield and a President for Latino Student Success.

Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues uses a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino student success from across the Excelencia network. Excelencia's Perspectives < Return to the Research and Policy Page Applying a Latino lens to higher education policy and practice Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues uses a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino student success from across the Excelencia network. For more insight into Latino student success trends in higher education, visit Excelencia’s Medium page. America’s Economic Future: Latinos and the Institutions that Serve Them By: Lily Cuellarsola, Excelencia in Education Latinos, one of the fastest-growing and youngest U.S. demographics, are uniquely positioned to shape America’s future. This post explores Latinos’ rapid population growth, rising college enrollment, the challenges of the demographic cliff, and strategies to invest in their success to meet workforce needs and secure our nation’s economic future. Read Now | Jan 8, 2025 · 7 min read Latino Students are Key to Our Nation’s Prosperity By: Lily Cuellarsola & Cassandra Arroyo, Excelencia in Education Increasing Latino degree attainment is key to our nation’s prosperity. Latinos, now making up about one in five Americans, represent the growing majority of college students today and face unique circumstances that institutions must address to support their success. This analysis explores the Latino student profile, how they pay for college, their degree attainment, their workforce participation, and the institutions uniquely positioned to serve them. Read Now | Jun 5, 2024 · 8 min read Funding America’s Future: Larger Endowments Could Help HSIs Further Accelerate Latino Student Success By: Sami R. Nour, Excelencia in Education Endowments are important resources that provide institutions with opportunities to invest in students and programs. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are less likely to have an endowment compared to other colleges and universities. For HSIs that do have an endowment, their funds tend to be smaller than those at other institutions. Our new analysis explores endowments at HSIs and what it means for investing in students. Read Now | Jun 13, 2023 · 9 min read The number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) is increasing again. By: Deborah Santiago, Emily Labandera, and Sami R. Nour, Excelencia in Education This year, 571 colleges and universities meet the enrollment definition of a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) — up from 559 last year, when the number decreased for the first time in two decades due to enrollment declines, institutional closings, and consolidation brought on by the pandemic. Our new analysis explores how and why the number of HSIs is growing again. Read Now | Mar 30, 2023 · 6 min read Beyond an HSI Designation: Exploring Strategic Practices for Grant Participation By: Cassandra Arroyo and Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education The competitive nature of HSI federal funding has increased the importance for HSIs to plan effectively for grant competitions and utilize funds sustainably. This analysis explores strategic practices from six HSIs for participating in Title V grant competitions and moving beyond an HSI designation to intentionally serve Latino and other low-income students. Read Now | Mar 23, 2023 · 6 min read Resilience: Surviving, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding in Times of Trouble By: Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Acting President Inter American University of Puerto Rico Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Acting President of Inter American University of Puerto Rico, shares his definition of institutional resilience and lessons that U.S. mainland institutions can learn from Puerto Rican universities when it comes to surviving, stabilizing, and rebuilding in times of trouble in the wake of Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Fiona, an unprecedented series of earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Now | Mar 21, 2023 · 6 min read Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico By: Sami R. Nour, Deborah Santiago, Emily Labandera, and Cassandra Arroyo, Excelencia in Education This new analysis examines the island’s universities as accelerators of economic mobility for Latino students and their communities, demonstrating how Puerto Rican institutions offer a better return on investment in higher education for low-income students than can be achieved almost anywhere else in the U.S. Read Now | Mar 2, 2023 · 9 min read

The College Success program focuses on preparing disadvantaged students to be among the first in their families to attend and succeed in college. < Back College Success Program Institution: Barrio Logan College Institute State: California Academic Level: Community-Based Organization Issue Area: Access Program Focus: College Prep Website: http://www.blci.org Key Personnel: Yanet Lopez Cardenas Contact Info: yanet@blci.org | 616.232.4686 Overview Founded in 1996, as statistics showed that at-risk Latino students dropped out of high school at an alarming rate, and were not attending college Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) creates a college-going culture for Latino families in their community. The mission of BLCI is to prepare disadvantaged students to be among the first in their families to attend and succeed in college. The College Success program focuses on achieving its mission, in addition to other programs provided by BLCI. Program Description BLCI's College Success program gives students comprehensive college-prep services such as tutoring, career exploration, and college application guidance. BLCI is unique in that they prepare kids for college starting in 3rd grade, work directly with parents, for at least 30 hours/year, support students through their college. The program additionally provides students with leadership opportunities focused on community service. Outcome BLCI as of August 2015: 100% of high school graduates took the "a-g" courses required for public university eligibility in California, compared with 33% of Latino students who graduated "a-g" eligible statewide. 100% of BLCI high school graduates enrolled in colleges and universities nationwide, compared to 22% of Californian Latino students. 90% of BLCI graduates persisted in college towards graduation; nationally only 11% of first-generation college students graduate college within 6 years. Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in California Filter by Issue Area Access Bridge to the Future (B2F) Scholars Program Access Cal-Bridge Program Access Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP) Access College Match Access College Success Program Access Compact for Success Access Encuentros Leadership Preparatory Academy Access Kid City Hope Place Access Show More