Latino Student-focused College Programs Honored at U.S. Capitol

Prominent political officials helped Washington-based Excelencia in Education salute collegiate programs that boost Latino student success Wednesday during the nonprofit's fifth annual awards ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center.

Excelencia honored three organizations with proven track records for propelling Latino students forward: Carreras en Salud (Careers in Health) at Wilbur Wright College and the Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center in Chicago; the College Assistance Migrant Program at California State University San Marcos; and the Hispanic Theological Initiative at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-Texas) said the Obama administration's vested interest in the success of Latino students is evident in the steps it has taken to increase federal funding for Pell Grants and minority-serving institutions.

"By far, everything that many of us have earned is because we had to work twice as hard," Solis said during her keynote address.

Solis said Latino students must be supported and pushed. Despite any challenges they may face, Latino students must know that the only barrier between them and educational success is themselves, she said.

If students believe they can't achieve, they won't, said Solis. But if they believe they can and they find assistance through Pell, mentoring and friendship that makes a big difference.