Excelencia’s affordability recommendations compel policymakers to expand access to excellence by reducing financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without unmanageable debt. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: College Affordability Excelencia in Education June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino students leverage cost-saving measures to make college more affordable (e.g., working while enrolled, enrolling part-time, mixing their enrollment, etc.), and they balance many financial decisions when pursuing a college education–supporting their families, covering transportation costs, and weighing the opportunity cost of lost wages. Policy solutions and institutional practices must reduce prices and other financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without incurring unmanageable debt. Excelencia in Education prioritizes: Increasing Transparent Financial Literacy: Expanding efforts by states, institutions, and other key actors to provide resources and tools so that students and families fully understand the real costs of college and the financial resources available to them. Fostering Low-Debt Education: Advocating for policies that prioritize need-based grants over loans and include basic needs—such as childcare, food, transportation and housing—within the true cost of attendance. Lowering the Price of Education: Supporting and incentivizing institutions to lower prices and contain costs to students while investing in academic excellence. How can policy help Latinos, and all, students afford a degree? Incentivize FAFSA completion to increase access to financial aid. Reduce unmet financial need to pay for college by including basic needs in financial aid calculations. Strengthen the Pell Grant and make it a fully mandatory program . Revise the Federal Work-Study distribution formula to more strategically support students with high financial need, reduce administrative burdens to program participation, and increase funding for the program. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief highlights the strategic practices of six Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) that have participated in federal HSI STEM and Title V grant programs. < Back Beyond an HSI Designation: Exploring Strategic Practices for HSI Grant Participation Excelencia in Education March 2023 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Since 1995, the federal government has allocated funds to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to help build their institutional capacity to better serve their Latino students. However, these federal grant programs have become increasingly competitive. As a result, HSIs must strategically adapt their practices to plan effectively for grant competitions and utilize funds in a sustainable manner that supplements existing institutional practices that facilitate Latino student success. Excelencia in Education engaged six HSIs that had received federal funding in the last six years (2017-2022) in a series of interviews to learn more about their strategic practices in HSI STEM and Title V grant participation: California State University-Long Beach California State University-Sacramento University of New Mexico-Taos Texas A&M University-Kingsville Dominican University Hartnell College Findings From the interviews with these institutions, Excelencia identified key strategies that demonstrate these HSIs’ adaptive practices for HSI STEM and Title V grant participation and their institutional commitment to their Latino students: Creating the capacity to apply for HSI grants. Leadership at these six institutions described their strategies for applying for federally funding despite a limited or nonexistent central office or personnel dedicated to HSI initiatives. Their efforts for preparing for grant competitions included (1) holding internal mini-grant competitions, (2) contracting with external grant writers, or (3) bringing in cross-campus support to prepare their grant applications. Implementing and sustaining grant-funded programs. HSI grants are one of many tools that can be leveraged to develop an institution’s capacity to better serve their students. HSI grants are designed to supplement rather than supplant current institutional efforts, which means that institutions must utilize this funding in combination with existing resources. To gain buy-in from the necessary programs or offices, these institutions integrated key stakeholders into the grant application and implementation process. Institutions also slowly transitioned grant funded costs into the budget of campus programs and offices to ensure that the programs and positions could be sustained at the end of the grant period. Conceptualizing and advancing an organizational commitment to serving Latino students. Leadership across all six HSIs described how their institution is conceptualizing what it means to be an HSI, where they currently are with their work, and what they need to do to better serve their Latino students. These HSIs are: (1) utilizing evidence-based practices from external HSI organizations to identify their next steps to advance their institutional capacity to serve, (2) leveraging HSI funding to improve their capacity to implement and sustain student-centered efforts and outcomes, and (3) creating a cross-campus network of offices and departments committed to developing practices that intentionally serve their Latino students. Suggested Citation: Arroyo, C. & Santiago, D. (March 2023). Beyond an HSI Designation: Exploring Strategic Practices for HSI Grant Participation . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Read our report on the impact of 20 years of federal funding on student success and the development of HSIs in From Capacity to Success: HSIs, Title V, and Latino Students. Read our Medium posts on the potential of a guaranteed federal grant programs for HSIs to build their capacity for applying to competitive federal grant programs. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Our Agenda for Reform makes policy recommendations to the federal student aid and work-study programs to improve college access and support retention and completion. < Back The Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery (RADD) Consortium for the Reform of Federal Student Aid Grants and Work-Study Excelencia in Education; Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP; College Board; Committee for Economic Development; National Urban League May 2015 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Over the last three decades, the cost of college has increased nearly four times faster than the median family income. Financial aid has not filled this growing gap, resulting in “unmet financial need.” These policy recommendations for redesigning the student aid system are designed to help all students afford and complete college. A five-member consortium comprised of Excelencia in Education, the Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP, College Board, the Committee for Economic Development, and the National Urban League authored this brief, which was made possible through the support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Many of today’s college students fit a “post-traditional” student profile, in that they are independent, adults age 25 and older, parents, and work more than 20 hours per week. These students often face financial barriers to college access and completion as a result of their managing multiple roles and responsibilities. This brief uses guiding principles to recommend reforms to the federal student aid and work-study programs to increase post-traditional student success in higher education. These principles include: 1) increase economic opportunity for all students; 2) provide clear and transparent federal aid; 3) use evidence based practices to serve low-income, disadvantaged students; 4) ensure federal aid and a manageable amount of work and loans are adequate to complete postsecondary education for qualified students; 5) address all barriers to degree completion; and 6) hold institutions receiving federal funding accountable for keeping college affordable and strengthening student success. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia's policy agenda advocates for workforce, institutional capacity, college affordability, and retention and transfer to accelerate Latino student success. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda Excelencia in Education June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Now is a pivotal moment for our country, our students, and our institutions of higher education. Higher education remains a key driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social mobility. For Latino students—and all students—to achieve economic prosperity, institutional, state, and federal policies must center on their realities: their needs, educational pathways, and contributions to the country’s workforce and economy. Higher education must be a vehicle for economic mobility, not a hurdle. Excelencia in Education remains committed to advancing policy solutions that align institutional practices, public investments, and student realities to ensure Latino, and all, students can succeed. 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. Our policy priorities are grounded in the strengths and opportunities of our network, the Latino community, and evidence-based practices accelerating Latino student success. Our priority is access to excellence for Latino, and all, students. Who is Excelencia in Education? Excelencia in Education’s mission is to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by: Leadership: Organizing a network of institutions and leaders with the common cause of Latino student success to inform and compel action; - Excelencia’s leadership efforts include a network of over 205 postsecondary leaders, committed to Ensuring America’s Future by making our country stronger with the talents, skills, and contributions of Latino college graduates. In this network, 45 institutions are Seal-certified, going beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students. Excelencia ’s policy agenda focuses on scaling the work of these institutions in four priority areas. Data : Providing credible data-driven analysis on issues in higher education with a Latino lens; and Practice: Promoting higher education policies and institutional practices that support Latinos’ academic achievement and that of other post-traditional students. Guiding Principles The following frame is Excelencia’s approach to reassessing current federal policies using a Latino lens. Efficiency in serving traditional students today can limit effectiveness in serving a majority of students tomorrow (post-traditional students), and those students are increasingly Latino. Prioritizing access and success for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students—especially Latinos—is important while we increase educational opportunities for all students. Institutions that have a concentration of Latinos must transform to intentionally serve the needs of the students they enroll. Excelencia in Education’s Policy Priorities: 2025 Excelencia’s policy agenda advocates for accelerating Latino student success to close gaps in degree attainment based on the current profile of Latinos in higher education. Four policy issues were continually raised among leading institutions committed to supporting Latino student success: 1) workforce , 2) institutional capacity , 3) college affordability , and 4) retention and transfer . Workforce Ensuring access to excellence by aligning higher education and economic opportunity. Latinos are the youngest and fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. To support their educational pursuits and maximize their contributions to the workforce and economy, higher education has a responsibility to connect students with career-aligned learning opportunities and meet the needs of the competitive workforce. We prioritize : Expanding Work-Based Learning Creating Clear Pathways to Workforce Success Institutional Capacity Improving access to excellence by investing in institutions intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. Institutions serving a growing share of Latino students also serve students from many backgrounds and situations, and supporting the institution will increase the educational and economic success for all learners and their communities. To deliver excellent education, institutions must invest in programs and policies that enhance student access, completion, and workforce readiness. We prioritize: Sustaining and Scaling Key Investments Investing in Quality Higher Education College Affordability Expanding access to excellence without unmanageable debt. Latino students leverage cost-saving measures to make college more affordable (e.g., working while enrolled, enrolling part-time, mixing their enrollment, etc.), and they balance many financial decisions when pursuing a college education–supporting their families, covering transportation costs, and weighing the opportunity cost of lost wages. Policy solutions and institutional practices must reduce prices and other financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without incurring unmanageable debt. We prioritize: Increasing Transparent Financial Literacy Fostering Low-Debt Education Lowering the Price of Education Retention and Transfer Facilitating access to excellence through a variety of educational pathways Latino students fit a post-traditional learner profile and are more likely to take multiple paths through higher education, often balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities. Students’ decisions to pause or change institutions are typically driven by life circumstances, not academic ability. Policy must support seamless transitions and degree completion. We prioritize: Strengthening Transfer Pathways Supporting Proactive Student Support Systems Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues uses a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino student success from across the Excelencia network. Excelencia's Perspectives < Return to the Research and Policy Page Applying a Latino lens to higher education policy and practice Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues uses a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino student success from across the Excelencia network. For more insight into Latino student success trends in higher education, visit Excelencia’s Medium page. America’s Economic Future: Latinos and the Institutions that Serve Them By: Lily Cuellarsola, Excelencia in Education Latinos, one of the fastest-growing and youngest U.S. demographics, are uniquely positioned to shape America’s future. This post explores Latinos’ rapid population growth, rising college enrollment, the challenges of the demographic cliff, and strategies to invest in their success to meet workforce needs and secure our nation’s economic future. Read Now | Jan 8, 2025 · 7 min read Latino Students are Key to Our Nation’s Prosperity By: Lily Cuellarsola & Cassandra Arroyo, Excelencia in Education Increasing Latino degree attainment is key to our nation’s prosperity. Latinos, now making up about one in five Americans, represent the growing majority of college students today and face unique circumstances that institutions must address to support their success. This analysis explores the Latino student profile, how they pay for college, their degree attainment, their workforce participation, and the institutions uniquely positioned to serve them. Read Now | Jun 5, 2024 · 8 min read Funding America’s Future: Larger Endowments Could Help HSIs Further Accelerate Latino Student Success By: Sami R. Nour, Excelencia in Education Endowments are important resources that provide institutions with opportunities to invest in students and programs. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are less likely to have an endowment compared to other colleges and universities. For HSIs that do have an endowment, their funds tend to be smaller than those at other institutions. Our new analysis explores endowments at HSIs and what it means for investing in students. Read Now | Jun 13, 2023 · 9 min read The number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) is increasing again. By: Deborah Santiago, Emily Labandera, and Sami R. Nour, Excelencia in Education This year, 571 colleges and universities meet the enrollment definition of a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) — up from 559 last year, when the number decreased for the first time in two decades due to enrollment declines, institutional closings, and consolidation brought on by the pandemic. Our new analysis explores how and why the number of HSIs is growing again. Read Now | Mar 30, 2023 · 6 min read Beyond an HSI Designation: Exploring Strategic Practices for Grant Participation By: Cassandra Arroyo and Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education The competitive nature of HSI federal funding has increased the importance for HSIs to plan effectively for grant competitions and utilize funds sustainably. This analysis explores strategic practices from six HSIs for participating in Title V grant competitions and moving beyond an HSI designation to intentionally serve Latino and other low-income students. Read Now | Mar 23, 2023 · 6 min read Resilience: Surviving, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding in Times of Trouble By: Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Acting President Inter American University of Puerto Rico Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Acting President of Inter American University of Puerto Rico, shares his definition of institutional resilience and lessons that U.S. mainland institutions can learn from Puerto Rican universities when it comes to surviving, stabilizing, and rebuilding in times of trouble in the wake of Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Fiona, an unprecedented series of earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Now | Mar 21, 2023 · 6 min read Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico By: Sami R. Nour, Deborah Santiago, Emily Labandera, and Cassandra Arroyo, Excelencia in Education This new analysis examines the island’s universities as accelerators of economic mobility for Latino students and their communities, demonstrating how Puerto Rican institutions offer a better return on investment in higher education for low-income students than can be achieved almost anywhere else in the U.S. Read Now | Mar 2, 2023 · 9 min read

Excelencia has tracked and developed lists of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), eHSIs, and gHSIs for 29 years—academic years 1994-95 through 2022-23. HSIs Database for Researchers < Return to HSIs Main Page Excelencia in Education has tracked and developed lists of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging Hispanic-Serving institutions (eHSIs), and Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs (gHSIs) for 30 years—academic years 1994-95 through 2023-24. These three datasets (HSIs, eHSIs, and gHSIs) are unique—they do not exist elsewhere. Excelencia is making them publicly available for a nominal fee with the intent to benefit the field of higher education, as more research is needed about these institutions that enroll significant numbers of Latino students. COMPLETE FORM Suggested Citation and Agreement Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 1994-2023 Fall Enrollment, Institutional Characteristics, and Completions Surveys. The Researcher agrees: That they will not release data provided by Excelencia in Education to any other individuals, institutions, or organizations, without Excelencia in Education’s written permission; That the views expressed are their own and do not reflect the opinions or views of Excelencia in Education; Excelencia in Education is not responsible for any views presented, errors or omissions by the Researcher in using the HSIs, Emerging HSIs, and, HSIs with Graduate programs lists; That data files will not be released to the Researcher until payment is made to Excelencia in Education; and, To use the suggested citation crediting Excelencia in Education.

Since 2004, Excelencia has been the national leader in developing strategic research guided by the experiences and realities of today's Latino and other post-traditional students to inform action by community and institutional leaders and policy makers that facilitates institutional change. Research and Policy Since 2004, Excelencia has been the national leader in developing strategic research guided by the experiences and realities of today's Latino and other post-traditional students to inform action by community and institutional leaders and policy makers that facilitates institutional change. Excelencia uses a Latino lens to bring to the forefront what we know about Latino student success, what works to improve it, and what decision makers can do. Excelencia in Education’s Policy Priorities: 2025 Now is a pivotal moment for our country, our students, and our institutions of higher education. Higher education remains a key driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social mobility. For Latino students—and all students—to achieve economic prosperity, institutional, state, and federal policies must center on their realities: their needs, educational pathways, and contributions to the country’s workforce and economy. Excelencia’s policy agenda advocates for accelerating Latino student success to close gaps in degree attainment based on the current profile of Latinos in higher education. Four policy issues were continually raised among leading institutions committed to supporting Latino student success: 1) workforce , 2) institutional capacity , 3) college affordability , and 4) retention and transfer. Learn More LEARN MORE Workforce Learn More LEARN MORE College Affordability Learn More LEARN MORE Institutional Capacity Learn More LEARN MORE Retention and Transfer LEARN MORE Applying a Latino lens to higher education policy and practice Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues uses a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino student success from across the Excelencia network. READ MORE How does Excelencia in Education approach policy to accelerate Latino student success? Excelencia believes that good policy is informed by good practice. The ability to intentionally SERVE Latino students at scale requires knowing what works to accelerate Latino student success in a contemporary way with the most up-to-date Latino student profile. Research Library Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement and informing educational policies with a Latino lens. Since the organization’s founding, Excelencia has been the leading information source on Latinos in higher education, making our research and policy priorities available for the public to inform and compel action on Latino enrollment, completion, and workforce nationally. Find information on Latinos and education pathways, financial aid, institutional practices, student success, workforce, HSI related research, and more. Refine your search of Excelencia’s research by using the filters on the right. College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders June 2025 Latino students in Texas make informed, pragmatic choices to afford college, often shaped by state policy and institutional practice. This brief highlights the experiences of students and administrators, offering insights for institutional leaders and policymakers to improve college affordability and support Latino student success in Texas and nationally. Read More Excelencia’s Policy Agenda June 2025 Excelencia’s policy agenda advocates for accelerating Latino student success to close gaps in degree attainment based on Excelencia’s most recent research and analysis of Latinos in higher education. Four policy issues were continually raised among leading institutions committed to supporting Latino student success: 1) affordability, 2) institutional capacity, 3) retention and transfer, and 4) workforce preparation. Read More Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Workforce June 2025 Latinos are the youngest and fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. To support their educational pursuits and maximize their contributions to the workforce and economy, higher education has a responsibility to connect students with career-aligned learning opportunities and meet the needs of the competitive workforce. Read More Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Institutional Capacity June 2025 Institutions serving a growing share of Latino students also serve students from many backgrounds and situations, and supporting the institution will increase the educational and economic success for all learners and their communities. To deliver excellent education, institutions must invest in programs and policies that enhance student access, completion, and workforce readiness. Read More Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: College Affordability June 2025 Latino students leverage cost-saving measures to make college more affordable (e.g., working while enrolled, enrolling part-time, mixing their enrollment, etc.), and they balance many financial decisions when pursuing a college education–supporting their families, covering transportation costs, and weighing the opportunity cost of lost wages. Read More REFINE YOUR SEARCH Filter by Issue Area Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce Filter by Collections Compilation Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions Finding Your Workforce Hispanic-Serving Institutions Latino College Completion Policy Puerto Rico What Works Filter by Content Type Fact Sheet HSIs Dashboard Infographic Publication StoryMap on HSIs 1 2 3 ... 14 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ... 14

For 20 years, Excelencia has conducted and released its annual analysis that provides insight on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging HSIs (eHSIs), and HSIs with Graduate Programs (gHSIs). Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) For over 20 years, Excelencia in Education has conducted and released its annual analysis that provides insight on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging HSIs (eHSIs), and HSIs with Graduate Programs (gHSIs). Excelencia in Education leadership has worked with, studied, and learned from institutions meeting the HSI criteria over the years. Along the way, Excelencia : developed a methodology for creating a list of HSIs; created and popularized the category of Emerging Hispanic-Serving institutions (eHSIs); added the development of lists for Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate programs (gHSIs); produced analysis, lists, and briefs to better understand Latino student success; and, engaged communities of HSIs committed to more intentionally serve their students. 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 Webinar: 30 Years of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) As the leading independent source of information on HSIs, Excelencia convened college and university leaders for an important discussion about the critical role of HSIs and 30 years of federal funding. Moderator : Deborah Santiago , Co-Founder and CEO, Excelencia in Education Panelists : Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval , President, California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) Michael Gutierrez , President, Hartnell College Janine Janosky , President, Richard J. Daley College, City Colleges of Chicago DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION 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 about HSIs with Excelencia What are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and how have they evolved? Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) first received federal funding in 1995–three years after being initially included in the Higher Education Act. HSIs are defined in federal legislation as accredited, degree-granting public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. Since the organization’s founding, Excelencia in Education has released its annual analysis on this critical group of institutions enrolling and graduating Latino students. In 2023-24, there were 602 HSIs, located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These institutions represent 20% of all colleges and universities yet enroll 30% of all undergraduates and 64% of all Latino undergraduates. What is the purpose of HSIs? The classification of HSIs was formally recognized in federal legislation for capacity-building support to improve academic quality and access to excellence at institutions with a high concentration of Latino students. While HSIs, by definition, have student bodies that are at least 25% Hispanic, they serve students of various backgrounds. How are HSIs funded? Institutions are not guaranteed any funding because they meet HSI enrollment criteria. Rather, they are eligible for competitive grants and must demonstrate the quality and merit of their work. Federal funding earned through competitive HSI grants does not require use exclusively or specifically for Hispanic students. It may be used to serve all students. In 30 years, only about one-third of institutions that meet the enrollment definition of HSIs have received funding under Title V. What have we learned about HSIs from Excelencia ? Excelencia in Education’s first publication in 2004 was “Latino Student Success at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.” And we have continued examining HSIs and their role in Latino student success in higher education ever since to frame issues, contexts, understanding and opportunities. For example, we created the emerging HSI indicator in 2009 based on our analysis of concentrated enrollment and institutional effort for intentionally serving Latinos. What data can researchers access to do their own research on HSIs? Excelencia in Education is making three datasets available over the years of HSIs, Emerging HSIs, and HSIs with Graduate programs for researchers to conduct their own analysis for a nominal fee. Learn More Where are HSIs located now and and how has this evolved? This provides an interactive set of story maps that visualize the representation of HSIs by growth, sector, and geography. Explore Our StoryMap What are Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions? Excelencia in Education created the term "Emerging HSIs" as a way to track institutions on their way to becoming an HSI. Emerging HSIs are defined as public or not-for-profit degree granting institutions with 15-24.9% Latino undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment. Learn More What are Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs? Of the 602 Hispanic-Serving Institutions in 2023-24, 257 offer graduate degrees (169 offer doctoral degrees as the highest degree, 69 offer master’s degrees, and 19 offer a post-master’s certificate). Learn More All HSIs Resources Since the organization’s founding, Excelencia has released its annual analysis on this critical group of institutions enrolling and graduating Latino students, including research on: The latest list of HSIs, Emerging HSIs, and HSIs with Graduate Programs Excelencia’s methodology for creating a list of HSIs The 2023-24 data on HSIs in Excelencia’s HSI interactive dashboard The evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap Scroll by using the arrows below to navigate through all research available.

Excelencia's mission is to accelerate Latino student success in higher education— to enhance our workforce, leadership, economy, and Ensure America’s Future. Workforce Excelencia in Education's mission is to accelerate Latino student success in higher education— to enhance our workforce, leadership, economy, and Ensure America’s Future. Click on the tabs below to explore. FINDING YOUR WORKFORCE STEM HEALTH EDUCATION SUPPORTER 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 is 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 to Latinos 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) LEARN MORE Latinos are the nation’s fastest growing population and are shaping the nation’s workforce, accounting for 91 percent of new workers by 2031. Although more Latinos are entering the STEM workforce, they continue to be underrepresented in STEM occupations. In 2021, Latinos represented 18 percent of the nation’s workforce yet represented less than 10 percent of all STEM occupations. This brief is Excelencia’s roadmap presenting an opportunity for employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by strengthening the Latino STEM talent pipeline. The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in STEM are: Dallas College in Texas (Certificate) South Texas College in Texas (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in Michigan (Doctorate) LEARN MORE 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 occupations that offer higher 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 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) LEARN MORE 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) LEARN MORE Made Possible With Support From Podcast Episode: Finding your Workforce – Latino Talent for a Global Economy highlights best practices to leverage the high labor force participation rate of Latinos, projected to be one in five workers by 2031. Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education's co-founder and CEO, in episode 53 of ACT's Ready for Work podcast discusses the importance of developing stackable credentials, providing transition services, and connecting Latino talent to employers. Get ready to uncover actionable insights, debunk common myths, and discover best practices to reduce skill shortages. Webinar: Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy Ensuring America’s future to meet our nation’s economic and civic engagement requires both institutions and employers have a tactical plan to link Latino, and all, college graduates to the workforce. Leaders from institutions, employers, and philanthropy shared their perspectives and efforts for educating, preparing, and connecting Latinos to the workforce. Expand Your Knowledge about Workforce with Excelencia How do data on Latino college completion inform U.S. workforce needs? Data help others understand the profile of Latino students and the institutions graduating them links the college completion goals of the U.S. with the educated workforce needs of the country. Nationally, Latino college enrollment and completion are projected to increase. How do we close the equity gap and why is this important to workforce? Closing the equity gap requires a tactical plan for accelerating, not just increasing, Latinos’ degree attainment. Excelencia’s analysis shows that for the U.S. to close equity gaps in educational attainment , Latinos must earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030. Latinos are a young and fast-growing population. Our investment in Latino college completion is critical for the U.S. to meet its current and future civic leadership and workforce needs. How are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) supporting Latino students beyond degree completion? HSIs are expanding their scope of Latino student success and taking active steps to create learning experiences that promote workforce preparation and foster Latino post-completion success . As institutions continue to make progress on Latino enrollment and completion, Latino representation within the workforce is expected to increase. All Workforce Resources This compilation of publications represents work Excelencia has released in relation to Latinos in the workforce in the following categories: Latinos in the Workforce HSIs and Workforce Finding Your Workforce Latino College Completion Scroll by using the arrows below to navigate through all research available.

Tiffany Hernandez is President of Glendale Community College, Arizona, and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Glendale Community College, Arizona Tiffany Hernandez President Institution website: https://www.gccaz.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.gccaz.edu/about/college-president#:~:text=Welcome%20from%20Dr.,Tiffany%20Hernandez&text=As%20a%20native%20Arizonan%20and,for%20themselves%20and%20their%20families Tiffany Hernandez is President of Glendale Community College, Arizona, and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia’s institutes, workshops, and convenings provide forums for sharing knowledge on effective strategies for Latino student success. These opportunities engage leadership from multiple sectors to focus on Latino students as essential to America’s human capital growth. Programs + Initiatives We Promote What Works for Student Success Excelencia in Education believes the nation can make a measurable difference in increasing Latino, and all, student success in higher education by coming together and taking action. Participate in the following programs and initiatives: have your institution enroll in the Excelencia in Action network nominate programs for the annual Examples of Excelencia learn about evidence-based programs attend the Celebración de Excelencia invest in Excelencia’s programs and initiatives 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 . A Community of Action Excelencia’s institutes, workshops and convenings provide forums for sharing knowledge on effective strategies for Latino, and all, student success. These opportunities engage leadership from multiple sectors to focus on Latino students as essential to America’s human capital growth. Our partnership model and asset-based focus on Latino students leads to public recognition of students, institutions, communities and leaders making significant progress in improving Latino, and all, student attainment. Excelencia in Action LEARN MORE Examples of Excelencia LEARN MORE

During the annual Examples of Excelencia review, Excelencia recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made a positive impact on the success of their Latino students and are growing evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. Programs to Watch During the annual Examples of Excelencia review, Excelencia recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made a positive impact on the success of Latino, and all, students and are growing evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. By bringing attention to these programs, we encourage institutions, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to follow their continued growth and impact. Click here for additional evidence-based programs across the country. 2025 This year, Excelencia recognizes two Programs to Watch for their growing, positive impact on student success. The following programs are demonstrating strong promise in increasing positive outcomes for Latino, and all students. Both initiatives create intentional pathways to persistence, degree completion, and career readiness by affirming students’ cultural and linguistic assets, providing wraparound academic and mentoring support, and cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Through leadership development, career preparation, and practices that meet students where they are, these programs are emerging as efforts with the potential to make a sustainable impact on students in higher education. Excelencia invites you to learn more about the 2025 Programs to Watch by exploring their profiles listed below. Learn about the 2025 Examples of Excelencia Finalists and their efforts to increase student success. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Dual Language Liberal Arts Transfer Degree Pathway (DL LAT) | North Shore Community College (MA) Institution/Organization: North Shore Community College State: Massachusetts Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL Year Started: 2022 Website: https://www.northshore.edu/academics/programs/lat/dual-language/index.html Overview: The Dual Language Liberal Arts Transfer (DL LAT) Pathway at North Shore Community College provides a rigorous academic experience that fosters bilingual proficiency, cultural competency, and specialized knowledge. Grounded in equity and social justice, the program supports Latino/a students in strengthening their English and Spanish skills while building a solid foundation in their chosen field. Over the last three years, Latino students in Dual Language sections (DL) averaged an 80.7% success rate, compared to 65.9% in non-DL sections. BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Arizona Strategic Success Network | University of Arizona (AZ) Institution/Organization: University of Arizona State: Arizona Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Gender Based, Mentoring Year Started: 2022 Overview: Arizona Strategic Success Network empowers and inspires the next generation of leaders by providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students to hone their leadership skills, discover their strengths, and make a positive impact in their communities. Key programmatic goals include increasing retention, persistence, and degree completion for men of color. Fall 2024 data show an 85% first-to-second-year retention rate for program participants, compared to 77% for non-participants. Latinx students specifically saw a 9-point increase in second-to-third year retention rates (85% vs. 76%).