Excelencia's 2023 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education compendium recognizes programs making a positive difference in their campus and community. < Back 2023 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education Excelencia in Education September 2023 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Since 2005, Excelencia in Education has led the Examples of Excelencia , the only national data-driven initiative that recognizes programs at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate level as well as at community-based organizations with evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success amongst all served. Across 18 years, over 2,000 programs have been submitted for consideration and over 400 programs have been highlighted. This year, our compendium recognizes the robust efforts that practitioners across the country are making through our four Examples of Excelencia , nineteen Finalists , and eight Programs to Watch . These programs join a strong history of recognizing what works and each program described in this compendium is making a difference in the lives of their students, their campus, and their community. They show what is possible when institutions and organizations intentionally serve Latino students, while serving all students. Excelencia in Education invites you to learn more about the programs that this year best embodies the spirit of Examples of Excelencia . 2023 Examples of Excelencia ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Engineering Program at Wright | City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College (IL) Institution/Organization: City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College State: Illinois Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Transfer BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting Program | The University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State: Texas Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Discipline/Subject GRADUATE LEVEL: Graduate Equity Fellowship Program | California State University, Chico (CA) Institution/Organization: California State University, Chico State: California Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION LEVEL: College and Career Success | Breakthrough Central Texas (TX) Institution/Organization: Breakthrough Central Texas State: Texas Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Jose Gomez is President of Pasadena City College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Pasadena City College Jose Gomez President Institution website: https://pasadena.edu/ Bio Page: https://pasadena.edu/about/president/biography.php Jose Gomez is President of Pasadena City College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in North Carolina, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - North Carolina Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 51% Of White adults Fast Facts North Carolina had the 9th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 18% K-12 Population 11% Total Population Enrollment 17% Latino Students 22% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 44 White Median Income $33,694 Without a college degree $60,706 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 3%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in North Carolina. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 7%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in North Carolina. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Public, 4-year or above 23,567 3,472 15% 5,534 690 12% 2 Wake Technical Community College Public, 2-year 18,605 3,382 18% 2,758 410 15% 3 Central Piedmont Community College Public, 2-year 13,640 2,684 20% 2,262 355 16% 4 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Public, 4-year or above 13,848 2,300 17% 3,316 447 13% 5 North Carolina State University at Raleigh Public, 4-year or above 26,389 2,247 9% 6,486 459 7% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE 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 U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Ronald Rochon is President of California State University-Fullerton and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Fullerton Ronald Rochon President Institution website: https://www.fullerton.edu/ Bio Page: http://president.fullerton.edu/ Ronald Rochon is President of California State University-Fullerton and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 California State University, Fullerton (CSUF or Cal State Fullerton) enrolls more than 39,000 students, of which 54% are Latino—an increase of 40% since 2016. The university prioritizes access to higher education, student success, service to the local region, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. CSUF was the No. 2 destination among California public institutions for community college transfer students in 2022-2023.

This paper highlights how Excelencia, Single Stop USA, and community colleges are helping Latino students access millions of dollars in supports and services. < Back Supporting Latino Community College Students: An Investment in Our Economic Future Deborah A. Santiago ; Andrew Stettner June 2013 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Most Latino students who enroll in college begin at community colleges. This paper highlights how Excelencia in Education ( Excelencia ), Single Stop USA, and innovative community colleges across the country are making smart changes in their student services that are helping thousands of students access millions of dollars in supports and services that can help keep them in college. Together, these organizations are helping Latino, and all, students succeed and are providing a path for policymakers and college leaders to follow that can result in millions of additional college graduates. While student enrollment at community colleges has increased over the last 10 years, degree completion has not grown as quickly for Latino students. This limited degree attainment is the result of several barriers students face such as college cost, limited college knowledge, increased family responsibility, and work. For example, many Latino students are the first in their family to attend college and make choices to contain costs by enrolling at community colleges, attending part-time, and working more than 20 hours per week while enrolled. Unfortunately, these practical choices to contain costs, can hinder students' college completion. Too few students know there are resources available to assist with college costs that can increase Latino, and all, student success. They are also less likely to access financial resources like tax credits, food assistance and public health insurance that can enable them to maintain a stable family budget while enrolled. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Richard Carvajal is President of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt Richard Carvajal President Institution website: https://www.humboldt.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.humboldt.edu/president Richard Carvajal is President of California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2025-2028 California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt is the northernmost California State University institution. Humboldt fosters an inclusive, equitable community and intentionally serving the 28% of students that identify as Latino students, creating conditions of success for the more than 6,000 students enrolled.

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.

Ryan Cornner is Superintendent/President of Glendale Community College, California, and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Glendale Community College, California Ryan Cornner Superintendent/President Institution website: https://www.glendale.edu/home Bio Page: https://www.glendale.edu/about-gcc/administration/superintendent-president Ryan Cornner is Superintendent/President of Glendale Community College, California, and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital Communications Manager of Excelencia in Education. Guadalupe manages Excelencia's digital communications, including the website, presence in social media platforms, as well as online campaigns. < Back to Our People Page Guadalupe Acosta Digital Communications Manager Excelencia in Education Email: gacosta@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital Communications Manager of Excelencia in Education, managing Excelencia ’s digital communications, including the website, presence in social media platforms, as well as online campaigns. Past Experiences: Guadalupe comes to Excelencia with over 4 years of digital and print marketing experience that included work in the public transportation sector bringing awareness to the many benefits of public services. Guadalupe received her B.S. in Paralegal Studies and Spanish and a minor in General Business from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a first-generation high school and university Latina graduate, I know the importance of organizations like Excelencia and the level of impact it can have on Latino student success in higher education. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am, professionally, if it wasn’t for key organizations, programs, and mentors that helped me along the way navigate the education system and overcome the constant challenges. Personally, I couldn’t think of a better service than playing a part in helping accelerate Latino student success in higher education to grow the talent for America’s future workforce and civil society. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia has been the highlight of my professional career. The level of passion and commitment for a common cause is seen everyday with everything that is done, no matter the role and how big or small the task is. I am proud to be part of a very talented team where we all work as one.

Stephen Perez is President of California State University-Chico and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Chico Stephen Perez President Institution website: https://www.csuchico.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csuchico.edu/about/office/president/leadership/steve-perez.shtml Stephen Perez is President of California State University-Chico and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Rhode Island, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Rhode Island Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 23% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 52% Of White adults Fast Facts Rhode Island had the 38th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 28% K-12 Population 18% Total Population Enrollment 27% Latino Students 30% White Students Median Age 29 Latinos 47 White Median Income $37,462 Without a college degree $68,760 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 15%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Rhode Island. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 16%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Rhode Island. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 Community College of Rhode Island Public, 2-year 11,455 3,276 29% 1,769 347 20% 2 University of Rhode Island Public, 4-year or above 13,822 1,586 11% 3,433 334 10% 3 Rhode Island College Public, 4-year or above 4,630 1,212 26% 1,048 236 23% 4 Brown University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 7,273 886 12% 1,682 177 11% 5 Johnson & Wales University-Providence Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 3,913 576 15% 1,075 140 13% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE 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 U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

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