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

This brief expands knowledge on Texas Latino students while providing higher education institutions and policymakers with information to help more Latinos graduate. < Back Framing, Not Blaming: Improving Latino College Transfer in Texas Deborah A. Santiago ; Eyra A. Pérez ; Noé C. Ortiz November 2017 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Executive Summary SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Framing, Not Blaming: Improving Latino College Transfer in Texas expands knowledge about Texas Latino students while providing higher education institutions and policymakers across the country with actionable information to help more Latino students graduate. Stakeholders in Texas have diverse strategies to improve the pathways to college completion. However, too often discussion on transfer pathways focus on segments and stakeholders to blame for breaks in the pathway. The purpose of this brief is twofold: 1) to reframe the options to improve college pathways from blame to shared ownership and action, and, 2) to support discussions translating effective institutional practices into policy strategies that can improve the transfer pathway for Latino and other post-traditional students in Texas. Core to this project and brief is new analysis of current transfer processes, practices and policies in the state and at the following Texas institutional pairs: Alamo Colleges and The University of Texas at San Antonio Austin Community College and Texas State University El Paso Community College and The University of Texas at El Paso Houston Community College and the University of Houston The following areas between and within institutions are where state policy may improve Latino student transfer and success: transferability of credits , data sharing , access to financial aid , and, faculty involvement . The project and brief were supported by the Greater Texas Foundation to apply the findings from an earlier national project to the development of policy approaches to improve Latino student transfer and success. Hear directly from stakeholders including: Jacob Fraire , President & CEO, Texas Association of Community Colleges Donna Ekal , Associate Provost, University of Texas at El Paso Francisco Solis , Dean of Performance Excellence, San Antonio College Virginia Fraire , Vice President of Student Services, Austin Community College Garrett Groves , Economic Opportunity Program Director, Center for Public Policy Priorities Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia’s retention and transfer recommendations compel policymakers to strengthen policies that support access to excellence through a variety of educational pathways. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Retention and Transfer Excelencia in Education June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview 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. Excelencia in Education prioritizes: Strengthening Transfer Pathways: Expanding credit transfer agreements and articulation policies that ensure students don’t lose time or credits when transitioning between institutions. Supporting Proactive Student Support Systems: Encouraging institutions to adopt advising, coaching, and financial aid structures that recognize the realities of Latino students and provide tailored support to keep them on track. How can policymakers support access to excellence through a variety of education pathways? Make transfer efforts an allowable activity for Higher Education Act Title V, Part A, (Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program) grants. Update federal data to more accurately capture Latino students’ pathways and how federal funding impacts Latino student success. Strengthen partnerships between higher education institutions and high school districts for high-quality dual enrollment programs. Provide financial incentives to institutions to retain Latino students on their path to graduation. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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