Programs to Watch

During the annual Examples of Excelencia review, Excelencia recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made a positive impact on the success of their Latino students and are growing evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. By bringing attention to these programs, we encourage institutions, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to keep an eye out as they continue to grow.

Explore our Growing What Works Database for additional evidence-based programs across the country.

2024

This year, Excelencia recognizes 12 Programs to Watch from eight states for their growing, positive impact on Latino student success. The following programs demonstrate a holistic approach in providing academic, financial, social, and career-based support services to Latino students and their families in order to support access and opportunities in higher education. Using asset-based, culturally-relevant design elements that fit the unique needs of their students, these programs:

Establish dedicated physical spaces on campus, such as identity-based and cultural centers to increase a sense of belonging;
Provide one-on-one mentorship with trusted local partners or peers;
Foster workforce development to provide students with internship opportunities during school and assist in job-seeking efforts post graduation.

Excelencia invites you to learn more about the 2024 Programs to Watch by exploring their profiles listed below.

Learn about the 2024 Examples of Excelencia Finalists and their efforts to increase Latino student success.

ASSOCIATE LEVEL:

College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI) | Portland Community College (OR)

ExCEL Program (Experiential Center for Education and Leadership) | UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (NJ)

BACCALAUREATE LEVEL:

Dream Internship | California State University, San Bernardino (CA)

Latinx Living Learning Community | Northern Illinois University (IL)

Latinx Resource Center | University of California, Irvine (CA)

Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) Program | Arizona State University (AZ)

STEM Communities Learning Assistant Program | Texas State University (TX)

STEM Student Success Center (S3C) | McMurry University (TX)

GRADUATE LEVEL:

Online Bilingual Master of Social Work Program | Loyola University Chicago (IL)

Preparing Hispanic Graduate Students for APPS (Academic, Professional, and Personal Success) | Mount Saint Mary’s University (CA)

COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS (CBO) LEVEL:

Hispanic Emerging Leaders Program (H.E.L.P.) | El Centro Hispano (AR)

Upscaling CNA in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Area Technical College and the Hispanic Collaborative (WI)