Glena Temple is President of Dominican University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Dominican University Glena Temple President Institution website: https://www.dom.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.dom.edu/about-dominican/office-president Glena Temple is President of Dominican University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

John Keenan is President of Salem State University and a President for Latino Student Success. < Back to E-Action Main Page Salem State University John Keenan President Institution website: https://www.salemstate.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.salemstate.edu/salem-state-difference/presidents-office/john-d-keenan-biography John Keenan is President of Salem State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Robert Garza is President of Palo Alto College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Palo Alto College Robert Garza President Institution website: https://www.alamo.edu/pac/ Bio Page: https://www.alamo.edu/pac/about-pac/leadership/office-of-the-president/ Robert Garza is President of Palo Alto 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 Connecticut. Latino College Completion - Connecticut 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) 28% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 55% Of White adults Fast Facts Connecticut had the 18th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 25% K-12 Population 18% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 11% Latino Students 19% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 48 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 61% Latino Students 75% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 8%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Connecticut. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 14%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Connecticut. 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 Connecticut, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Connecticut Public, 4-year or above 18,362 2,650 14% 2 Gateway Community College Public, 2-year 5,194 1,574 30% 3 Norwalk Community College Public, 2-year 3,557 1,530 43% 4 Naugatuck Valley Community College Public, 2-year 4,297 1,392 32% 5 Central Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 7,616 1,299 17% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Connecticut, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Norwalk Community College Public, 2-year 542 169 31% 2 Naugatuck Valley Community College Public, 2-year 604 136 23% 3 Gateway Community College Public, 2-year 566 135 24% 4 Housatonic Community College Public, 2-year 357 130 36% 5 Manchester Community College Public, 2-year 591 104 18% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Connecticut, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Connecticut Public, 4-year or above 5,433 632 12% 2 Central Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 1,838 273 15% 3 Southern Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 1,613 202 13% 4 Western Connecticut State University Public, 4-year or above 1,035 196 19% 5 Quinnipiac University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 1,787 175 10% Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? 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 . 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.

Hector Balderas is President of Northern New Mexico College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Northern New Mexico College Hector Balderas President Institution website: https://nnmc.edu/ Bio Page: https://nnmc.edu/about/leadership/office-of-the-president/index.html Hector Balderas is President of Northern New Mexico College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Anne Prisco is President of Holy Family University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Holy Family University Anne Prisco President Institution website: https://www.holyfamily.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.holyfamily.edu/about-holy-family-u/general-info/university-president Anne Prisco is President of Holy Family University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Michael Crow is President of Arizona State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Arizona State University Michael Crow President Institution website: https://www.asu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.asu.edu/the-president Michael Crow is President of Arizona State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 Arizona State University (ASU), a Hispanic serving research university with campuses across Arizona, serves over 100,000 undergraduate students with 26% identifying as Latino.

< Back to News Page Colleges and Universities Recognized for Excellence in Serving Students, Growing Talent and Advancing Success Oct 23, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Arizona institutions certified with prestigious Seal of Excelencia PHOENIX – Leaders from colleges and universities across Arizona convened last week to discuss “Advancing Student Success in Higher Education in AZ: Growing Talent for our Country’s Future,” organized by Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education. The Helios Education Foundation hosted this special event. The forum featured a dynamic panel moderated by Sarita E. Brown, co-founder and President of Excelencia in Education. Panelists included Kimberly Britt, President of Phoenix College; Marla Franco, Special Advisor for Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at the University of Arizona; and Nancy Gonzales, Provost at Arizona State University. Together, they shared how their institutions are intentionally and effectively serving Latino, and all, students, to advance academic achievement, build talent for the workforce, and strengthen communities across Arizona. Vince Yanez, Senior Vice President at Helios Foundation reflected on the transformational role higher education plays in Arizona, emphasizing the ways institutions are connecting education to opportunities for social and economic mobility for all students. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the vitality of these institutions, how their graduates’ education and training improve their career prospects and fuels social mobility, as well as their positive impact to the local and state economy. “Access to higher education is key to a thriving workforce and growing economy,” said Mayor Gallego. “I commend our universities, colleges, and organizations dedicated to education attainment for their tireless work to make that a reality for students. It’s a direct investment in the long-term prosperity of our state.” As today’s students navigate evolving needs and opportunities, Arizona’s higher education institutions are demonstrating that transformation is possible when data, practice, and leadership are aligned with intentionality. All three institutions represented on the panel have earned the Seal of Excelencia certification, demonstrating their systemic use of data, evidence-based strategies and results-oriented leadership aligned for greater success for students, their families, and their communities. Nationally, Seal of Excelencia certified institutions deliver measurable results: while representing less than 1% of all colleges and universities in the U.S, they enroll 16% and graduate 18% of Latino students nationwide, as well as enroll 7% and graduate 8% of all students. Four Arizona institutions have earned the Seal of Excelencia. Last month in Washington, DC, Excelencia in Education announced two Arizona institutions— Arizona State University and the University of Arizona — earned the new Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) Seal of Excelencia designation. This level of certification is for colleges and universities that achieve certification for the third time and demonstrate how they prepare students for the workforce and their long-term success. “Students and families expect higher education to demonstrate its practical value and policy makers and investors are looking for higher education to deliver a return on investment. By earning the Seal of Excelencia certification colleges and universities demonstrate how they effectively serve Latino, and all, students. It is significant that Arizona has four institutions that have earned the Seal of Excelencia ”” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education, at the Forum. “Further, for two of the eight institutions in the entire country —to have earned certification as Intentionally Thriving Institutions coming from Arizona is good news and demonstrate great potential for the future.” 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

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Releases Compilation of Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latinos in College Apr 13, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Higher Education Programs Across the Country Identified For Improving Latino Student Achievement In Five Areas WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announces today the release of a compilation of evidence-based programs that are at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latino, and other, students. The compilation, “ Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024 ,” emphasizes cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas: Engagement to Prepare Students and Families in College First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success Excelencia’s compilation brings national attention to noteworthy efforts increasing Latino student success in higher education to inspire and support educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to replicate and bring to scale evidence-based practices. It builds on the organization’s 20-year history of applying a Latino lens to critical issues in postsecondary education while linking data and practice to support Latino student achievement. “ Excelencia increases awareness of programs that work for Latino students with the understanding that what serves our students ultimately serves our country,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “These data-informed and evidence-based practices tell unique stories of our students and prove what is possible. These programs also show there is no excuse for inaction to make a positive difference for students.” For nearly two decades, Excelencia has led the charge in highlighting and growing effective practices for Latino students through Examples of Excelencia . Examples is the only national data-driven effort to recognize and promote programs increasing Latino student success in higher education. Since launching Examples, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to sustain the life-changing work of those programs. “America’s future is brighter with the talents of Latinos,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “Now more than ever, Excelencia commits to bringing national attention to effective efforts advancing students’ higher education journeys to completion. By sharing information and supporting replication we build momentum for institutional transformation that accelerates Latino student success and thus grows our civic leadership and future workforce.” Excelencia releases this publication at Prepárate 2024, a national convening hosted by the College Board for those committed to advancing educational opportunity for Latino students. Together, we champion asset-based approaches that uplift the strengths of and opportunities for Latino students. Programs from the compilation are featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in effective programs for Latino students. “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024” benefited from the support and public leadership of 24 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia : Arizona State University Austin Community College District California State University Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College El Paso Community College Florida International University Grand Valley State University Long Beach City College Mercy University Miami Dade College San Antonio College South Texas College St. Edward’s University University at Albany, SUNY University of Illinois Chicago The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Access the full compilation: EdExcelencia.org/advancing-what-works-latino-students-2024 About Excelencia in Education In 2024, Excelencia in Education marks 20 years of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, advancing institutional practices, and 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

Christopher Villa is President of Skagit Valley College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Skagit Valley College Christopher Villa President Institution website: https://www.skagit.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.skagit.edu/office-of-the-president/ Christopher Villa is President of Skagit Valley 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 North Carolina. Latino College Completion - North Carolina 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) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 50% Of White adults Fast Facts North Carolina had the 11th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 16% K-12 Population 10% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 34% Latino Students 39% White Students Median Age 25 Latinos 44 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 65% Latino Students 71% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in North Carolina. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 6%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Public, 4-year or above 23,708 3,036 13% 2 Wake Technical Community College Public, 2-year 18,327 2,715 15% 3 Central Piedmont Community College Public, 2-year 13,449 2,356 18% 4 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Public, 4-year or above 14,889 2,161 15% 5 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Public, 4-year or above 19,722 1,911 10% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in North Carolina, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Wake Technical Community College Public, 2-year 2,977 383 13% 2 Central Piedmont Community College Public, 2-year 2,397 330 14% 3 Fayetteville Technical Community College Public, 2-year 1,756 239 14% 4 Forsyth Technical Community College Public, 2-year 1,151 168 15% 5 Guilford Technical Community College Public, 2-year 1,450 160 11% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in North Carolina, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Public, 4-year or above 5,902 633 11% 2 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Public, 4-year or above 4,951 411 8% 3 North Carolina State University at Raleigh Public, 4-year or above 5,973 376 6% 4 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Public, 4-year or above 3,525 360 10% 5 East Carolina University Public, 4-year or above 4,939 352 7% Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? 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 . 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.

José Fierro is President of Cerritos College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Cerritos College José Fierro President Institution website: https://www.cerritos.edu/ Bio Page: http://www.cerritos.edu/president/ José Fierro is President of Cerritos College and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 Cerritos College is a public, two-year community college located in Norwalk, in Southeastern Los Angeles County. Cerritos serves approximately 31,000 students annually with 70% identifying as Latino. In service of community needs, Cerritos College’s degree and certificate programs deliver measurable value with associate degree graduates experiencing an average annual earnings boost of nearly $11,000 while career technical education certificate earners see a 60% hourly wage increase.