Excelencia in Education to Hold National Briefing on 25 Years of Hispanic-Serving Institutions April 21st

Contact: media@EdExcelencia.org

Washington, D.C. – Building on the momentum of recent state briefings on Latino student success in higher education, Excelencia in Education will offer a “National Briefing on 25 Years of Hispanic-Serving Institutions” at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will make an appearance and U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez will lend their perspectives to this important public discussion with the Excelencia co-founders and institutional leaders. The public is invited to attend the virtual event by registering for free here.

A series of state briefings served as the first forum to present Excelencia’s analysis and hallmark information about college completion, evidence-based practices, and effective strategies. Wednesday’s national briefing will continue this public discourse about the growth and impact of HSIs, emerging HSIs, and the pivotal role of the Seal of Excelencia-certified institutions. The objective of this convening is to inform a national framework as the country recovers from the pandemic.

“We are gratified Excelencia, in cooperation with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, is convening trendsetting leaders for this important discussion about the past and future of HSIs for Latino student success,” said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia CEO. “Learning and sharing what institutions are doing to intentionally serve Latino students and accelerating their impact is critical to our nation’s future.”

Sarita Brown, President of Excelencia, said, “Through this project, Excelencia has made common cause with institutions, leaders in philanthropy, elected officials and now federal officials, to publicly highlight colleges and universities serving Latino students, and all students, through the pandemic and into the future. At this challenging and critical time, we appreciate the opportunity to work with those who are taking action to address equity with a Latino lens.”

The year 2020, marked 25 years since Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) were first funded through specific federal legislation. Excelencia has taken responsibility for chronicling the impact and changes of HSIs over the years, issuing the annual list of institutions, creating the definition of Emerging HSIs, and producing numerous seminal briefs and fact sheets since 2004.

The new research reveals HSIs often enroll and graduate a disproportionate number of the Latino students so needed for an educated workforce and citizenry. Along with documenting the role HSIs have played in increasing Latino college completion and the value of federal investment in these institutions, the research informs powerful engagement by leaders in higher education and policy sectors at a critical time in our country, when record numbers of Latino students should be enrolling in colleges and universities.

About Excelencia in Education
Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org 

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