Maria Harper-Marinick serves as Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Maria Harper-Marinick Senior Fellow Aspen Institute Maria Harper-Marinick, a national leader in higher education and an advocate for access to opportunity, equity, and student success, currently serves a Senior Fellow with the Aspen Institute. Previously she served the Maricopa Community College District for almost 30 years in a variety of leadership roles, including as Chancellor from 2016 -2020. The Maricopa District is one of the largest community college systems in the nation and with nearly 200,000 students across 10 colleges. Her current contributions to the community and higher education include serving on the boards of national and regional organizations including American Council of Education (ACE), American Association of Community Colleges, Excelencia in Education, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce.

From Washington, D.C., to Texas, to California, Excelencia in Education’s team collaborates with leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and government to ensure Latino, and all, students are served with intentionality and impact. Our People From Washington, D.C., to Texas, to California, Excelencia in Education’s team collaborates with leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and government to ensure Latino, and all, students are served with intentionality and impact. Click on the tabs below to explore. Excelencia Leadership Excelencia Staff Board of Directors Sarita E. Brown President Excelencia in Education Deborah A. Santiago Chief Executive Officer Excelencia in Education Guadalupe Acosta Digital Manager Lily Cuellarsola Senior Research Manager Dorian Díaz Director of Technical Assistance Karla Hernandez DeCuir Director of Institutional Engagement Emily Labandera Director of Research Joey Marin Executive Assistant & Board Liaison Eyra Pérez Vice President of Institutional Capacity Melva Yanes Finance Manager Jessica Marie Arguello Institutional Engagement Coordinator Matt Cuozzo Chief of Staff Cintia Elenstar Director of Institutional Programs Honee Herrera Gil Institutional Capacity Manager Jessica Leach Grants Manager Cindy Mendiola-Perez Director of Institutional Capacity Adriana Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Institutional Programs Val Tovar Evidence-Based Practices Manager Alexia Carrillo Villalobos Policy & Research Analyst Elizabeth Davis Director of Finance Olivia Glad Institutional Programs Senior Coordinator Star Huff Senior Operations Manager Dianey Leal Strategic Partnerships Manager Noé Ortiz Senior Manager, Program Operations Josué Romualdo Community of Practice Manager Cassy Castañón Technical Assistance Manager JP Deering Communications Manager Jennifer Gomez-Chavez Vice President for Institutional Engagement Anna Israel Development Coordinator Madelyn Lucas Policy Analyst Alexis Padilla-Torres Institutional Engagement Manager Iris Yan Research Analyst Massey Villarreal Chair Chief Executive Officer & President Precision Task Group, Inc. Sarita E. Brown Board Member President Excelencia in Education Havidán Rodríguez Board Member President University at Albany - State University of New York Elizabeth Béjar Vice Chair Provost, Executive Vice President, and COO Florida International University Audrey Dow Board Member Partner, Secoya Affect Campaign for College Opportunity Carlos E. Santiago Past Chair Commissioner Emeritus Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) Maria Harper-Marinick Board Member Senior Fellow Aspen Institute Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. Secretary/Treasurer Former Chief Advocacy Officer Ascension Texas Andrés Henríquez Board Member Director of STEM Education Strategy, US Division Education Development Center, Inc. Employment Opportunities Join Excelencia’s Team Excelencia in Education’s team is expanding to serve our mission of accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Find current opportunities to join our team below. Current Opportunities This page will be updated as opportunities become available. Office Manager (hybrid): To support this mission at a time of growing national visibility and opportunity, Excelencia is hiring an Office Manager. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will provide hands-on operations and information technology (IT) support to help us achieve operational excellence. We are seeking a results-oriented professional with experience clearly defining issues when they arise, identifying the specific expertise required to work through them, and proactively engaging the right people to move forward. In this role, you will support day-to-day operational functions, vendor and consultant management, and IT and office management for a staff of 35. DOWNLOAD DESCRIPTION

To reinforce institutional capacity to better serve, Excelencia has created the Ladder of Engagement which is a system of technical assistance comprised of support, tools, resources, and expertise. Institutional Capacity Building Opportunities Excelencia in Education’s mission is to accelerate Latino student success, while increasing all student success, to close postsecondary attainment gaps and advance our families, communities, and nation. We are committed to significantly increasing the number of students earning college degrees by 2030 in partnership with institutions. To support and reinforce institutional capacity to more intentionally serve, Excelencia has created a capacity building strategy to meet institutions where they are in their transformation journey and help colleges and universities embed student-centered data-driven accountability cycles into their strategies and practices to build sustainable, campus-wide habits of continuous improvement. Through a collaborative partnership, Excelencia engages institutions in tailored capacity building programming of in-depth content and rigorous tools for data-informed action resulting in systemic change across the institution. Excelencia’s capacity building programming offers institutions, as cohorts of peer institutions, the opportunity to examine their own data, practices, and leadership strategies to demonstrate measurable outcomes that resonate with funders, policymakers, and stakeholders, bridging internal growth with external proof of impact on Latino, and all, student success. The learning and knowledge gained through Excelencia’s capacity building programming builds momentum and increases institutional capacity to transform into learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. As a trusted and respected convener, Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities offer institutional teams: Interactive sessions by subject matter specialists, policy makers, researchers, leaders in higher education, and Seal of Excelencia certified institutional and Examples of Excelencia program representatives; Asset-based discussions on data, evidence-based practices, leadership, and policy with a student-centered lens; Learning and networking environments with other institutions as cohorts to build communities of common cause and practice sharing experiences, strategies, practices, strengths, and opportunities; Dedicated time and space for teams to reflect, discuss, and develop tactical action plans for campus-wide implementation using Excelencia’s robust tools; and, Facilitated engagement with peer teams as a cohort of institutions for continued learning and sharing at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up sessions after each institute. Excelencia leverages more than 20 years of experience listening to, learning from, and working with colleges and universities in transforming their campuses into places where Latino, and all, students thrive. In this collaborative partnership, Excelencia offers curated content and community building that supports institutions in their journey to more intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. 2026 Excelencia's C apacity Building Programming Data Institute Two virtual options to choose from: #1 - 3 virtual modules on May 5, 12, 19 #2 - 3 virtual modules on July 14, 21, 28 Evidence-Based Practices Institute 3 virtual modules on June 9, 16, 23 Post-Completion Institute 3 virtual modules on August 4, 11, 18 Alignment Institute 3 virtual modules on October 13, 20, 27 All institutes will have three virtual follow-up sessions at the 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month milestones after each institute. All institutes have limited space so it’s essential to apply early. Additional information and intake form links can be found here . Institutes A self-assessment tool that provides a starting point for institutions to assess with a student-centered lens who they are serving, not serving, and want to serve with data, practice, and leadership. Three virtual facilitated cohorts to choose from, each with an onboarding session and a follow-up session. Spring Cohort: virtual sessions on April 22 and May 27 Summer Cohort: virtual sessions on June 24 and August 5 Fall Cohort: virtual sessions on October 14 and November 18 A SSITA Intake form and additional information can be found here . SSITA (Seal Serving Institutional Transformation Assessment) What Works Workshops Finding What Works: Exploring Your Campus for Impactful Programs - A workshop series to support your institution's journey in identifying programs serving Latino, and all, students and exploring their impact. Two virtual facilitated cohorts to choose from. Registration information coming soon. March Cohort: virtual sessions on March 5 and 12 October Cohort: virtual sessions on October 15 and 22 Sharing Excellence: A Workshop to Craft Stories of Impactful Programs – A workshop series that offers higher education leaders a writing lab experience to craft a narrative of your program efforts grounded in intentionality and evidence. Registration information coming soon. Three virtual sessions on February 24, 25 and 26. 2026 Examples of Excelencia Submission Webinar - During this one-hour virtual session, the Institutional Programs team will provide an overview of the submission process, including the changes for 2026. Virtual on February 11. Registration information coming soon. 2026 Seal of Excelencia Certification Application Webinar - Webinar provides an overview of the 2026 application and review processes, key dates, and support and resources available. It will also offer an opportunity to hear from 2025 Seal of Excelencia certified institutions. Virtual on March 30. Register here . Webinars For more information or for any questions, please email our team at InstCapacity@EdExcelencia.org . LEARN MORE

Latino, and all, students deserve an opportunity to thrive. For two decades, Excelencia in Education’s community of common cause has supported more Latino students to graduate and grown talent for our country’s civic leadership and workforce. Support Our Mission Building the Nation’s Human Capital Who will champion the success of Latino students — and all students — as essential to our nation’s future? We believe the answer is you. For more than 20 years, Excelencia in Education has advanced excellence and Latino student success in higher education because the promise of our nation depends on developing the talent of Latino — and all — students. You share a deep and abiding faith in our community of common cause and in our collective capacity to significantly improve the success of Latino, and all, students. Together, we are ensuring more college graduates drive social and economic mobility in their communities and throughout the nation. Excelencia’s approach is deliberate, grounded in data, strengthened by leadership, and tested by practice. We work with college and university leaders who replicate what works and hold themselves accountable for advancing student success and producing outcomes for students, families, and communities. Excelencia unites leaders committed to transforming higher education to advance the human capital our country needs to thrive. The Futuro Fund is how individuals like you make this work possible. It is a direct investment in Excelencia’s long-term strategy to accelerate higher education success for Latino, and all, students. We invite you to give a gift to the Futuro Fund that is meaningful to you and make a long-term investment in America’s future. Be a guardian of possibility, a champion of talent, and a partner in ensuring that Latino student success — and the success of all students — fuels a stronger nation for generations to come. Please sign up now to stay connected and support Excelencia in Education through your tax-deductible donations. DONATE NOW Our Funding Partners The following leaders make common cause with Excelencia by investing in our work to advance excellence and student success in higher education: Ascendium Education Group The Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation ECMC Foundation The Kresge Foundation Trellis Foundation HSF California State University, Northridge Bank of America Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Gates Foundation Lumina Foundation Strada Education Foundation Wells Fargo JPMorgan Chase Hector and Gloria López Foundation Donate With Confidence Excelencia is committed to transparency and demonstrating quality in our efforts, as evidenced by our Four-Star rating from independent evaluator Charity Navigator and our Seal of Transparency from Candid . Be confident that your donation will be used to its fullest potential.

Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers 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 accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino, and all, student success, enhancing our workforce, leadership, and economy. LEARN MORE Policy Agenda Research Publications Capacity Building Growing What Works Events Ensuring America’s Future: Latino College Completion 2023 Increasing Latino college completion is key to future prosperity Excelencia in Education remains committed to ensuring America’s future by increasing Latino college completion. Excelencia’s most recent analysis of public data on enrollment, degree completion, and degree attainment shows that degree completion gaps have increased between Latino students and their White peers. To close the gap in degree completion, the United States requires a tactical plan to reach the Latino degree attainment goal of 6.2 million degrees earned by 2030. This plan must include strategies to help Latinos accelerate degree completion while supporting increased attainment for all students. LEARN MORE Our Tactical Plan for Latino Student Success How does Excelencia advance Latino, and all, student success in higher education? Inform Excelencia uses a Latino lens to inform and compel action to serve Latino, and all, students. LEARN MORE Promote Excelencia brings attention to what works to improve Latino, and all, student success. LEARN MORE Organize Excelencia organizes leaders with a common cause of accelerating Latino, and all, student success. LEARN MORE Advocate Excelencia advocates for action and investment that intentionally serves Latino, and all, students. LEARN MORE HSI Lists: 2023-24 What is included in Excelencia’s release and how can I learn more using this analysis? 602 HSIs Hispanic-Serving Institutions LEARN MORE 418 eHSIs Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions LEARN MORE 257 gHSIs Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs LEARN MORE Factbook Learn more from Excelencia’s summary of HSIs, eHSIs, and gHSIs in the HSIs Factbook . LEARN MORE Dashboard Explore the 2023-24 data on HSIs in Excelencia’s new HSI interactive dashboard. LEARN MORE Infographic Visualize fast facts with Excelencia’s 2023-24 HSIs Infographic . LEARN MORE StoryMap Learn more about the 30-year evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap. LEARN MORE Seal of Excelencia Certified Institutions In 2025, five institutions earned the Seal of Excelencia , five earned recertification, and eight were recognized with the new Intentionally Thriving Institution certification, recognizing their continuing journey to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students, and emphasizing their impact in preparing students for and connecting them to the workforce. These 18 institutions belong to a community of 48 trendsetting colleges and universities that have earned the Seal by demonstrating intentionality and impact in serving Latino, and all, students through data, practice, and leadership. LEARN MORE 2025 Examples of Excelencia Announced After a rigorous review process, four programs are recognized as national exemplars of evidence-based practices that improve student success in higher education. Learn about the 2025 Examples: General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) , Cerritos College - Norwalk, CA (Associate Level) ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program , California State University, Long Beach - Long Beach, CA (Baccalaureate Level) Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative , University of Illinois Chicago - Chicago, IL (Graduate Level) Avanza RGV , Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) - Mercedes, TX (CBO Level) Learn more about the 2025 Examples of Excelencia. Latest from Excelencia Stay informed with the latest research and analysis from Excelencia . College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders This brief builds on 20 years of Excelencia in Education’s research on Latino students and college affordability, incorporating insights from Texas policy, institutional leaders, and student experiences. It provides timely information on: How Latino students in Texas make cost-conscious decisions and use financial aid to pay for college. How forward-thinking Texas institutions are working to make college more affordable for Latino, and all, students. How policy in Texas influences institutional practices and student access, and how it can further improve college affordability and student success. LEARN MORE Expand Your Knowledge with Excelencia How does intentionally SERVING Latino students benefit our society? Latinos are a young, fast-growing population, yet degree completion gaps have increased between Latinos and their White peers. Excelencia’s analysis shows that closing the gap in degree completion by accelerating Latino student success will strengthen America’s workforce and civic leadership. See Our Analysis How can we inform educational practice and policy to facilitate positive change on behalf of Latino students? Excelencia’s research provides a basis of information on the status of Latino students in higher education from which to compel positive action by institutional leaders and measure progress toward accelerating Latino student success. From Latino enrollment and workforce participation, to how Latino students pay for college, to mapping Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) , this research informs and compels action. Explore Our Interactive Dashboard What works to improve Latino degree attainment and how can we expand these practices? In 2005, we launched Examples of Excelencia — the only national, data-driven effort to recognize programs with evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success amongst all served and, by doing so, facilitating access to excellence for all students. Since its inception, Excelencia has reviewed over 2,500 program submissions and recognized over 400 programs for their proven impact. Contact us if you’d like to connect with evidence-based programs or learn more about their work and impact. How does Excelencia catalyze institutional transformation that produces meaningful results for Latino students? In addition to building the Excelencia in Action network, our capacity building opportunities and Seal of Excelencia certification support and reinforce institutional capacity to intentionally SERVE Latino students using comprehensive strategies that align data, practice, and leadership. Discover the Seal What are Excelencia’s policy priorities for supporting Latino student success in higher education? Excelencia focuses on four policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention, and workforce preparation for closing gaps in degree attainment and increasing educational and economic opportunity for Latino and post-traditional students in higher education. Review Our Policy Agenda

This brief provides a snapshot of Latinos in higher education today, as well as a summary of the growth and current profile of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back HSIs, Title V, and Latino Students Deborah A. Santiago ; Morgan Taylor; Emily Calderón Galdeano May 2016 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Infographic PNG-Infographic SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This infographic complements the the report From Capacity to Success: HSIs, Title V, and Latino Students which examines the impact of 20 years of investment in HSIs and the link of this support on Latino student success. This issue brief provides a snapshot of Latinos in postsecondary education today, as well as a summary of the growth and current profile of HSIs. It also examines linkages between Latino students’ educational progress, the institutions where they are concentrated, and the impact of 20 years of federal funding on both student success and the development of HSIs, and offers recommendations for further research to refine the findings from this examination. Please allow a few seconds for loading of interactive infographic. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia tracks 4 measures of equity gaps to inform action: Latinos' enrollment and attainment growth, and Latinos’ progress in graduation and completion rates. < Back Closing the Equity Gap in Educational Attainment for Latinos September 2018 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview The nation can increase degree attainment for all, but closing the gap between Latinos and other groups requires an intentional and tactical strategy to accelerate Latinos’ attainment. This is not an “us vs. them” approach. Excelencia in Education is tracking four measures of equity gaps to inform action: Latinos’ growth in: 1) enrollment, and, 2) attainment, and Latinos’ progress in: 3) graduation rates, and 4) completion rates. While college enrollment overall has decreased, Latino enrollment has increased significantly over the past 6 years. From 2010-2016, enrollment decreased 6% overall - led by a 16% decrease for White and 15% for Black students - but increased 25% for Latino and 2% for Asian/Pacific Islander students. Almost 1 in 5 undergraduate students today are Latino. Latino students have increased representation from 14 to 19%. Latinos’ degree attainment has grown significantly while overall degree attainment has increased more slowly over the past 6 years. Associate degree attainment grew 7% overall. The largest growth was by Latinos (55%), but degree attainment decreased most for White (-6%) and American Indian/Native American students (-7%). Baccalaureate degree attainment grew 12% overall. The largest growth was by Latinos (52%), while White students had a slight increase of 1% and American Indian/Native American students decreased significantly (-18%). Graduation rates increased equally for White and Latino students over 10 years; therefore, the gap in educational attainment remained the same. From 2005 to 2014, graduation rates - degree completion of 1st time, full-time students within 150% of time from enrollment - improved 2% for both White and Latino students. In 2015, 54% of Latino students were enrolled full-time. Latino students' completion rates are higher than graduation rates and include more students, but still need to increase in order to close the gap in completion rates with others overall. Latino students' completion rate - including part-time, transfer, stop out, and students from both 2- and 4-year institutions - was 47% compared to 63% for White and Asian students. Latino students are more likely to still be enrolled 6 years after enrollment than other groups. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

How have the number and location of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and eHSIs changed over time? Learn more about the evolution of HSIs with Excelencia's StoryMap. < Back Evolution of HSIs: Interactive StoryMap Excelencia in Education April 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS StoryMap on HSIs SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview How have the number and location of HSIs and eHSIs changed over 30 years? Learn more about the evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap. CLICK HERE to Explore Excelencia's interactive StoryMap on HSIs. Source: Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS, 1994-2023 Fall Enrollment, Institutional Characteristics, and Completions Surveys. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Research suggests diversity on campus benefits all students. This brief provides a summary of Latino faculty and their representation in postsecondary education. < Back Latino Faculty in Postsecondary Education Morgan Taylor; Deborah A. Santiago June 2017 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Research suggests that diversity on campus—both student diversity and faculty diversity—benefits all students by providing diverse perspectives and expanding cultural competencies for all students and contributing to the persistence and degree attainment of students of color. Latino faculty and all faculty of color also serve as role models and mentors students of color and can help those students improve in their academic progress. While Latinos represented about 16 percent of all undergraduates, they only represented four percent of full-time faculty. This brief provides a summary of Latino faculty and their representation in postsecondary education. Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Let’s talk. Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief identifies top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos for education careers, highlighting evidence-based practices increasing their success. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Education Excelencia in Education March 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Education represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. Latinos are shaping the nation’s population–inside and outside of the classroom. Occupations in education disciplines are projected to increase in the next decade. While Latinos have increased their representation in education related occupations, they are more likely to be in education occupations with lower salaries. This brief is Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent in education. The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in education are: Miami Regional University in Florida (Certificate) South Texas College in Texas (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate) Grand Canyon University in Arizona (Master’s) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (Doctorate) Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school, including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C., & Nour, S.R. (February 2024). Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Education . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief identifies the top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos in health, and highlights evidence-based practices to increase Latino student success. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health Excelencia in Education March 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. Healthcare occupations are projected to increase over the next decade. As the demand for healthcare professionals increases, Latinos are increasing their representation in healthcare positions. Despite their increased representation, Latinos are more likely to be in healthcare support occupations rather than in healthcare management or professional occupation that offer higher salaries. This brief presents Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent in health. The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in health are: NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate and Associate) Western Governors University in Utah (Baccalaureate) Miami Regional University in Florida (Master’s) Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey (Doctorate) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional) Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school, including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C., & Nour, S.R. (February 2024). Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief identifies top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos for a global economy, providing a roadmap for employers to meet U.S. workforce needs. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy Excelencia in Education February 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. "Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy" represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. Latinos have the highest labor force participation, with 66 percent of those 16 years and older in the labor force, and demonstrates they will account for 91 percent of new workers — the largest number of any group — and one in five workers overall by 2031. However, Latinos are the most likely to be employed in manual labor occupations and earn the lowest salary compared to other groups. This brief presents Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent. The top institutions awarding credentials at each level are: NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate) Miami Dade College in Florida (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional and Doctorate) Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school, including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C., & Nour, S.R. (February 2024). Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. This brief initiates a series that highlights the top institutions graduating Latinos in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), health, and education, accompanied by examples of institutional efforts to improve Latinos’ college completion linked to these sectors. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce