Aug 5, 2026
Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org
11 Programs Named 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists for Their Student-Centered Approaches Facilitating Access to Excellence and Expanding Opportunity
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 5, 2026) – Excelencia in Education announced today the finalists for the 2026 Examples of Excelencia, recognizing 11 evidence-based programs across the country that demonstrate intentionality, innovation, and positive impact in facilitating access to excellence for Latino, and all, students in higher education.
Examples of Excelencia is the only national effort recognizing programs with evidence of improving 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 since 2005.
Latinos are representative of the post-traditional student majority in college today. They are more likely to be low-income, first-generation college-goers, work while enrolled, and navigate affordability challenges. This year’s finalists demonstrate what is possible when institutions and community-based organizations intentionally invest in evidence-based practices that address changing student needs and workforce demands. They expand opportunity, promote persistence and completion, and create pathways to economic mobility through student-centered, culturally responsive approaches that include experiential learning, mentorship, alumni engagement, holistic services, and connecting students to meaningful career opportunities.
“Excelencia identifies and promotes programs at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement to grow what works for Latino, and all, students,” said Adriana Rodriguez, Excelencia in Education Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Institutional Programs. “The 2026 finalists demonstrate how intentional, asset-based practices strengthen institutions and produce positive results for students, families, and communities. We celebrate their impact and invite others to learn from and apply these proven approaches.”
Finalists join Excelencia’s Community of Practice for What Works, a national cadre of leaders from over 120 programs previously recognized through Examples. Programs in this community are committed to sharing evidence-based practices, learning from one another, and scaling what works for Latino, and all, students across higher education.
On October 26, Excelencia will announce the 2026 Examples of Excelencia, bringing national attention to three of the 11 finalists. Programs will be recognized at Celebración de Excelencia, part of Excelencia's invitational Fall Convening in Washington, D.C. The event brings together leaders in higher education, business, philanthropy, and government committed to advancing excellence for Latino, and all, students and investing in talent for our nation's future.
Additionally, Excelencia recognized seven Programs to Watch for promising efforts already making a positive impact on student success as they continue to build their evidence of effectiveness. This includes three programs from community colleges whose intentional use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve student success illustrates the transformative potential of AI in higher education.
The 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists are:
Career and Workforce
Blue Chip Leadership Experience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Nursing BSN Bridge, San Antonio College, San Antonio, TX
Spanish for Global Health and Human Services, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
Teaching and Learning
The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
Student Experience Project Faculty Community of Practice, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Student Support
College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI), Portland Community College, Portland, OR
College Success Program, Latino Education Advancement Foundation, San Jose, CA
Early College, Cerritos Community College District, Cerritos, CA
G-Force Work-Study Mentorship Program (TWU Go Program), Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX
Honors Living-Learning Community, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ
SOAR: Summer Orientation and Registration, Aurora University, Aurora, IL
The 2026 Programs to Watch are:
Career & Workforce
Advanced Manufacturing, Austin Community College District, Austin, TX
Student Support
Dual Degree Program, Governors State University, University Park, IL
Hispanic Student College Institute, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
Teaching & Learning
Family and Education, the Future of a Nation, AVE Frontera, Weslaco, TX
AI Innovation
Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation, Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA
Inclusive AI Framework for Instructional and Service Program Review and Planning, Coastline College, Fountain Valley, CA
Miami Dade College AI Clinics, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
Learn more about the 2026 finalists for the Examples of Excelencia:
EdExcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/examples-excelencia-finalists
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