Mordecai Ian Brownlee is President of Community College of Aurora and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Community College of Aurora Mordecai Ian Brownlee President Institution website: https://ccaurora.edu/ Bio Page: https://ccaurora.edu/about-cca/leadership/mordecai-ian-brownlee/ Mordecai Ian Brownlee is President of Community College of Aurora and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Gladys Nieves Vázquez is President of EDP University of Puerto Rico and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page EDP University of Puerto Rico Gladys Nieves Vázquez President Institution website: https://edpuniversity.edu/ Bio Page: https://edpuniversity.edu/profile/gladys-nieves/ Gladys Nieves Vázquez is President of EDP University of Puerto Rico and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Scott E. Feller is President of Wabash College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Wabash College Scott E. Feller President Institution website: https://www.wabash.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.wabash.edu/aboutwabash/president Scott E. Feller is President of Wabash College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in Hawaii. Latino College Completion - Hawaii Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 37% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 58% Of White adults Fast Facts Hawaii had the 39th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 19% K-12 Population 11% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 28% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 46 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 45% Latino Students 49% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 3%-points higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Hawaii. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 4%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Hawaii. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Hawaii, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Hawaii at Manoa Public, 4-year or above 13,839 1,862 13% 2 Leeward Community College Public, 2-year 4,085 690 17% 3 Hawaii Pacific University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 2,726 523 19% 4 Kapiolani Community College Public, 2-year 4,039 427 11% 5 University of Hawaii at Hilo Public, 4-year or above 2,630 410 16% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Hawaii, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Leeward Community College Public, 2-year 968 154 16% 2 Kapiolani Community College Public, 2-year 811 80 10% 3 Honolulu Community College Public, 2-year 560 62 11% 4 Hawaii Community College Public, 2-year 359 59 16% 5 University of Hawaii Maui College Public, 4-year or above 377 51 14% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Hawaii, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Hawaii at Manoa Public, 4-year or above 2,891 322 11% 2 University of Hawaii at Hilo Public, 4-year or above 567 83 15% 3 University of Hawaii-West Oahu Public, 4-year or above 671 73 11% 4 Hawaii Pacific University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 497 72 14% 5 Brigham Young University-Hawaii Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 592 26 4% Examples of What Works for Latino Students Here are some institutions showing success in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students: College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) - Washington State University WSU CAMP's mission is to improve the lives of migrant or seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) and their families through higher education attainment. Project upGRADS Project upGRADS at California State University, Fullerton aims to improve access to graduate education for Latinx students. Sources Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Rebekah Woods is President of Columbia Basin College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Columbia Basin College Rebekah Woods President Institution website: https://www.columbiabasin.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.columbiabasin.edu/connect/about-cbc/our-leadership/meet-the-leadership-team.html Rebekah Woods is President of Columbia Basin College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Thrive Scholars is dedicated to empowering high-achieving students of color from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve economic mobility. < Back Thrive Scholars 6-Year Program Institution: Thrive Scholars State: California Academic Level: Community-Based Organization Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: Career/Workforce, First Year Support Website: https://www.thrivescholars.org/programs/six-year-program/ Key Personnel: Raynise Smith Contact Info: rsmith@thrivescholars.org | 617.500.4449 x399 Overview Thrive Scholars is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering high-achieving students of color from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve economic mobility. Primarily supporting Latino (44%) and Black (38%) students from families earning less than $45,000 annually, Thrive Scholars aims to foster leaders in STEM and corporate sectors. The 6-Year Program targets key inflection points: expert college advising, academic preparation, socio-emotional and financial support, and career development. Goals include ensuring 89% of Scholars, including 91% of Latino Scholars, enroll in top colleges, graduate with a 3.0+ GPA and high STEM persistence, and secure meaningful careers or graduate school placements with starting salaries exceeding $67,500. Program Description Thrive Scholars began as a scholarship program in 2002 in Los Angeles, California. Recognizing the disparities in higher education access, economic mobility, and workforce representation for Latino and Black students, the program has evolved over 20 years to provide holistic support. The 6-Year Program includes intensive academic preparation through two six-week summer sessions of college-level math and writing, advising for top college admissions with no or low-loan packages, and comprehensive first-year college support. Additionally, they offer industry-specific coaching to boost career readiness, complete paid internships, and connect students to professional networks. The commitment by Thrive Scholars to diversity, equity, and inclusion guides their program design, incorporating culturally responsive approaches and resources that resonate with Latino students and their families. Thrive Scholars validate the cultural wealth students bring, providing bilingual programming and continuous improvement based on feedback and progress tracking. Outcome In 2022-2023, of the 1006 students served, 45% identified as Latino, and 50% of the alumni are Latino. For the last three years, the program has demonstrated positive outcomes for Latino participants in the following areas: Enrollment Rates: Almost 90% of Scholars from each of the program’s three high school classes between 2021 and 2023 enrolled in top colleges—in 2021, 87% overall (Latino: 85%); in 2022, 91% overall (Latino: 95%); and in 2023, 88% overall (Latino: 93%). In comparison, fewer than 50% of low-income students who are academically qualified for top colleges actually attend them. Persistence Rates: In 2021, program participants overall graduated with a 3.23 GPA and 65% STEM persistence rate (Latino: 3.24, 64%); in 2022, a 3.42 GPA and 74% STEM persistence (Latino: 3.36, 71%); in 2023, 3.47 GPA and 71% STEM persistence (Latino: 3.37, 72%). These outcomes surpass the average college GPA and STEM persistence rate at top colleges (3.4; <50%). In addition, 99% of the Scholars graduate college in comparison to 50% of typical high-achieving, low-income students. Career Attainment: In 2022, the placement rate for Thrive Scholars was 76% overall, with Latino students achieving an 81% placement rate and earning an average starting salary of $65,630. In 2023, the placement rate increased to 79% overall, with 73% for Latino students and an average starting salary of $73,933 for Latino students. These outcomes are consistent with the National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) findings of a 78% first-destination placement rate overall (80% for Latino students) and exceed the national full-time employee salary mean of $58,151 for Latino students. Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in California Filter by Issue Area Support Services Bridge Program Support Services Cerritos Complete Support Services College Bound / College Success Support Services Engage. Develop. Grow. Empower. (EDGE)/plEDGE Program Support Services Graduate Support Program Support Services Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF) College Success Program Support Services Long Beach College Promise Support Services Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program Support Services Show More

Trinity River Mission's Believe & Achieve program seeks to increase the number of high school graduates and empower them to succeed in post-secondary enrollment. < Back Believe & Achieve Program Institution: Trinity River Mission, Inc. State: Texas Academic Level: Community-Based Organization Issue Area: Access Program Focus: College Prep, Mentoring Website: http:// https://www.bgcdallas.org/ Key Personnel: Amber Green Contact Info: agreen@trinityrivermission.org | 214.744.6774 Ext. 108 Overview Trinity River Mission's Believe & Achieve program seeks to increase the number of high school graduates and empower them to pursue and succeed in post-secondary enrollment. In order for students to receive access to financial support from the program, they must complete program requirements, including 10 college/career prep workshops, leadership/character development, 10 hours of social/emotional enrichment, and 20 hours of community service per year. Program Description Since 1983, Believe & Achieve has promoted college and career readiness primarily to Latino students in grades 6-12. College-aged Latinos are the region’s fastest-growing population, yet have the lowest rate of post-secondary enrollment. Because of students’ socioeconomic backgrounds, Trinity River Mission perceived academic assistance and college-prep to access college was not enough. They believed students needed structure and accountability, positive role models, social-emotional support, and life skills. The program provides ten college campus tours, college/career prep workshops, leadership/character development, exploration of STEAM career fields, social/emotional counseling, financial education, paid internship/community service opportunities, mentors, and $4,000 scholarship. Believe & Achieve intentionally takes students on multiple out-of-state college trips to expose students to options beyond their region. Colleges are chosen based on student interest and ability to support minority and/or low-income students. Additionally, Believe & Achieve provides positive role models through mentors, alumni, staff, and volunteers. Lastly, Believe & Achieve identifies families are an essential part of the Latino culture and family buy-in is key to a child’s success. As such, all Believe & Achieve students' family members are provided exposure to college/career options. Outcome Increased high school graduation rate: Since 2004, Believe & Achieve students have maintained an average high school graduation rate of 95% , with 100% graduating in 2018, compared to just 62% of West Dallas Latino adults and 86% of Latinos attending West Dallas’ local high school students. Increased college enrollment rate: On average, 93% of Latino Believe & Achieve students in the program enroll in college and attend their first semester each year, with 100% enrolling in 2018. By comparison, only 25% of West Dallas adults ages 18-24 and 61% of all high school graduates in Dallas County enroll in college. Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in Texas Filter by Issue Area Access Access College and Excel (ACE) Program Access Believe & Achieve Program Access College Possible Texas Access Con Mi MADRE Access Dual Credit and Early College High School Access Eagle Promise Program Access Early College High Schools Program Access Entering Student Experience Access Show More

Melva Yanes serves as Finance Manager of Excelencia in Education. Melva’s daily responsibilities are invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, and responding to affiliate inquiries. < Back to Our People Page Melva Yanes Finance Manager Excelencia in Education Email: myanes@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As the Finance Manager, Melva’s daily responsibilities are invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, and responding to affiliate inquiries. Her role is essential in supporting Excelencia’s efforts in fiscal modernization and management. Past Experiences: Melva joined Excelencia with previous accounting experience in the nonprofit sector. Melva has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Excelencia’s mission resonates deeply with me as a first-generation Latina college graduate. Excelencia offers the opportunity to both leverage my current skills and grow professionally with the organization, especially learning first-hand how to scale and modernize financial best practices in the nonprofit sector. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Everyone in the organization is mission-driven and demonstrates a passion for Excelencia’s work. It is amazing to work alongside team members who share their knowledge and bring their best every day.

The EOF program at County College of Morris provides a gateway to higher education for students who need academic and financial support. < Back Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program Institution: County College of Morris State: New Jersey Academic Level: Associate Issue Area: Transfer Program Focus: First Year Support Website: https://www.ccm.edu/student-support/educational-opportunity-fund-eof/ Key Personnel: Pamela Marcenaro Contact Info: jpmarcenaro@ccm.edu Overview The Educational Opportunity Fund at County College of Morris provides a gateway to higher education for students who need academic and financial support. EOF is committed to transform incoming students into scholars. Goals: Encourage students to continue their post-secondary education and/or to become successful professionals in a diverse society. Consistently accomplish high retention and transfer rates. Strive towards timely graduation rates (within 3 years) of students served. Program Description Through the years, EOF at CCM has grown into a comprehensive holistic support system that provides bi-lingual first- generation/low income predominantly Latino college students with customized holistic academic support that fosters persistence to graduation, academic achievement, and personal and leadership development. Today, services include recruitment, summer bridge/college readiness program, parent orientations, individual academic/social counseling, pre-advisement, academic planning, transfer assistance, workshops, professional mentorship, online academic support, and a scholarship. The program meets students where they are, regardless of their background, academic aptitude, social challenges, and/or needs, customizes the support for students individually, helping them fulfill their academic and professional goals. Outcome For the 2018 cohort, the overall program graduation rate was 38%, compared to the institutional graduation rate of 32%. Below is a breakdown of Latino participant data. The EOF Latino graduation rate was 52%, compared to the institutional graduation rate of 27%. EOF has exceeded even the college's own retention rates, boasting an EOF Latino (FTFT) retention rate of 76% in AY 2019-20 compared to 71% for the institution’s overall rate. Return To Growing What Works Database Related Programs in New Jersey Filter by Issue Area Transfer Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program Transfer

Richard Yao is President of California State University-Channel Islands and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Channel Islands Richard Yao President Institution website: https://www.csuci.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csuci.edu/president/biography.htm Richard Yao is President of California State University-Channel Islands and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2022-2025 CSUCI, the only four-year public institution in Ventura County, California, serves nearly 7,000 undergraduates, 57% of whom are Latino.

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in South Dakota. Latino College Completion - South Dakota Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 29% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 46% Of White adults Fast Facts South Dakota had the 46th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 7% K-12 Population 4% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 49% Latino Students 69% White Students Median Age 22 Latinos 41 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 39% Latino Students 59% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 20%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in South Dakota. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 20%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in South Dakota. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in South Dakota, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of South Dakota Public, 4-year or above 5,328 240 5% 2 South Dakota State University Public, 4-year or above 8,651 221 3% 3 National American University-Rapid City Private for-profit, 4-year or above 937 124 13% 4 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Public, 4-year or above 1,976 106 5% 5 Dakota State University Public, 4-year or above 1,910 94 5% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in South Dakota, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 National American University-Rapid City Private for-profit, 4-year or above 106 13 12% 2 Southeast Technical College Public, 2-year 619 13 2% 3 Mitchell Technical College Public, 2-year 321 11 3% 4 Western Dakota Technical College Public, 2-year 226 10 4% 5 Lake Area Technical College Public, 2-year 571 8 1% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in South Dakota, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of South Dakota Public, 4-year or above 1,230 37 3% 2 South Dakota State University Public, 4-year or above 1,850 37 2% 3 National American University-Rapid City Private for-profit, 4-year or above 244 28 11% 4 Black Hills State University Public, 4-year or above 423 25 6% 5 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Public, 4-year or above 352 16 5% Examples of What Works for Latino Students Here are some institutions showing success in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students: College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) - Washington State University WSU CAMP's mission is to improve the lives of migrant or seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) and their families through higher education attainment. Project upGRADS Project upGRADS at California State University, Fullerton aims to improve access to graduate education for Latinx students. Sources Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Peggy Heinrich is President of Elgin Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Elgin Community College Peggy Heinrich President Institution website: https://elgin.edu/ Bio Page: https://elgin.edu/about/administration/president.php Peggy Heinrich is President of Elgin Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.