Oct 26, 2026
Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org
3 Programs Earn National Recognition for Intentional Practices Delivering Transformative Outcomes for Latino, and All, Students
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 26, 2026) – Excelencia in Education announced today the 2026 Examples of Excelencia, recognizing three programs as national models for evidence-based practices and intentionality that improve student success in higher education. These programs demonstrate that student-centered, culturally responsive approaches expand opportunity, promote persistence and completion, and create pathways to economic and social mobility.
Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort that recognizes programs with evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino, and all, student success in higher education. Through Examples, Excelencia has reviewed more than 2,500 program submissions, recognized more than 400 for their proven impact, and raised over $2.2 million to support programs making a positive difference for their students since 2005.
Latinos are representative of today’s post-traditional student majority, often navigating multiple pathways through higher education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Intentionally serving this post-traditional population strengthens higher education in ways that benefit all students, our communities, and the country. Programs such as those recognized as Examples are central to the institutional transformation needed to create more learning environments where Latino and other post-traditional students thrive.
The 2026 Examples of Excelencia intentionally remove barriers, build on students’ strengths, and promote academic and career success through innovative instruction, holistic student support, mentorship, workforce connections, and experiential educational opportunities. They demonstrate what works to improve outcomes for Latino, and all, students — and prepare the next generation of civic leaders and workforce talent to strengthen their communities and our country.
Excelencia in Education announced today the 2026 Examples of Excelencia, recognizing three programs as national models for evidence-based practices and intentionality that improve student success in higher education. These programs demonstrate that student-centered, culturally responsive approaches expand opportunity, promote persistence and completion, and create pathways to economic and social mobility.
The 2026 Examples of Excelencia are:
Spanish for Global Health and Human Services, The University of Texas at Arlington, TX (Career and Workforce)
College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI), Portland Community College, OR (Student Support)
The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program, The University of Texas at Arlington, TX (Teaching and Learning)
“Student success happens when institutions intentionally create the conditions needed for students to thrive,” said Adriana Rodriguez, Excelencia in Education Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Institutional Practices. “The 2026 Examples of Excelencia demonstrate the impact of evidence-based practices that affirm students’ strengths and identities — and create connections to the support and opportunities they need to succeed before and beyond graduation.”
The 2026 Examples of Excelencia will be recognized on October 26 at Celebración de Excelencia, part of Excelencia’s annual, invitational Fall Convening. This event brings together leaders from higher education, philanthropy, policy, and business committed to promoting excellence and growing talent to ensure America’s Future.
Learn more about the 2026 Examples of Excelencia: EdExcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/annual-examples-excelencia
About Excelencia in Education
Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education 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 ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org