Excelencia's 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education compendium details programs intentionally supporting Latino and other post-traditional students. < Back 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education Excelencia in Education September 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has identified and promoted evidence-based practices increasing Latino student success amongst all served. Since 2005 Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions for Examples of Excelencia , recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million in funds to programs making a positive difference for Latino students across the country. Programs at the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels are recognized for their intentional and culturally relevant asset-based efforts that facilitate access to excellence for all students. Our 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education compendium recognizes the critical work that this year’s four Examples of Excelencia , eighteen finalists , and twelve Programs to Watch are doing across the nation. These programs demonstrate an intentional and aligned approach in supporting Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially as they make their way to and through college. Excelencia in Education invites you to learn more about the recognized programs that best exemplify the spirit of Examples of Excelencia through the 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education. 2024 Examples of Excelencia ASSOCIATE LEVEL: English for Academic Purposes | Reading Area Community College (PA) Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College State: Pennsylvania Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) | Washington State University (WA) Institution/Organization: Washington State University State: Washington Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support GRADUATE LEVEL: Project upGRADS | California State University, Fullerton (CA) Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION LEVEL: Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed | The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. (FL) Institution/Organization: The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. State: Florida Issue Area: Access Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Scholarship Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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 California, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - California 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 58% Of White adults Fast Facts California had the largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 52% K-12 Population 40% Total Population Enrollment 24% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 31 Latinos 47 White Median Income $36,147 Without a college degree $77,435 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in California. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 13%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in California. 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 California State University-Fullerton Public, 4-year or above 36,956 20,073 54% 9,065 4,358 48% 2 California State University-Northridge Public, 4-year or above 32,357 18,508 57% 8,520 4,452 52% 3 California State University-Long Beach Public, 4-year or above 34,131 17,500 51% 8,633 4,089 47% 4 California State University-Los Angeles Public, 4-year or above 21,478 16,572 77% 5,596 4,028 72% 5 Mt San Antonio College Public, 2-year 25,311 16,566 65% 3,484 2,218 64% 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.

Richard Muma is President of Wichita State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Wichita State University Richard Muma President Institution website: https://www.wichita.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.wichita.edu/administration/president/rick_muma_bio.php Richard Muma is President of Wichita State University 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 Ohio, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Ohio 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) 32% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 42% Of White adults Fast Facts Ohio had the 22nd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 7% K-12 Population 5% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 19% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 42 White Median Income $34,752 Without a college degree $63,283 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 6%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Ohio. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Ohio. 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 Ohio State University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 44,617 2,544 6% 11,163 544 5% 2 Eastern Gateway Community College Public, 2-year 13,293 2,196 17% 7,599 1,259 17% 3 Columbus State Community College Public, 2-year 17,128 1,402 8% 2,411 174 7% 4 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 29,094 1,343 5% 6,519 226 3% 5 Cuyahoga Community College District Public, 2-year 12,641 1,121 9% 1,852 137 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.

Excellence in teaching supports the realities of Latino, and all, students today and can directly impact persistence, graduation, and post-completion outcomes. < Back Latinos in Teaching and Learning Excelencia in Education March 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excellence in teaching directly impacts persistence, graduation, and post-completion outcomes for the post-traditional majority of students. Latinos represent a majority of these students–often balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities as they persist along their educational pathway. Investing in evidence-based teaching techniques, inclusive learning environments, and structured academic support prepares students with the skills and knowledge to succeed and compete in the workforce. This fact sheet presents Excelencia's insights on ways institutions can leverage teaching and learning strategies to advance academic success for Latino, and all, students. Institutional leaders, deans, department chairs, and faculty play a key role in developing inclusive, data-informed teaching and learning strategies by: Promoting student-centered professional development through centers for teaching and learning (CTLs) Supporting culturally responsive strategies through incentives for instructional and curricular redesign Using data to continuously improve teaching and learning Institutions are implementing intentional teaching and learning practices that advance academic excellence for Latino and other post-traditional students. The following are key examples: University of California, Berkeley - The Puente Project Indiana University Northwest - Pedagogical Interest Groups (PIGS) Georgia State University - Latinx Student Services and Outreach (LASSO) Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). Latinos in Teaching and Learning . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital 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 Manager Excelencia in Education Email: gacosta@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital 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.

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 Alabama, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Alabama 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) 30% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 41% Of White adults Fast Facts Alabama had the 32nd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 10% K-12 Population 6% Total Population Enrollment 20% Latino Students 24% White Students Median Age 24 Latinos 43 White Median Income $33,047 Without a college degree $57,592 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 1%-point higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Alabama. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Alabama. 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 The University of Alabama Public, 4-year or above 32,323 2,238 7% 6,505 294 5% 2 Auburn University Public, 4-year or above 25,732 1,111 4% 5,643 174 3% 3 University of Alabama at Birmingham Public, 4-year or above 12,118 940 8% 2,937 181 6% 4 John C Calhoun State Community College Public, 2-year 6,928 703 10% 1,463 97 7% 5 Jefferson State Community College Public, 2-year 5,443 563 10% 1,042 55 5% 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.

Ellen J. Neufeldt is President of California State University-San Marcos and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-San Marcos Ellen J. Neufeldt President Institution website: https://www.csusm.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csusm.edu/president/about/bio.html Ellen J. Neufeldt is President of California State University-San Marcos and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) is a regional university located in North San Diego County dedicated to serving nearly 16,000 students, of which 52% of undergraduates identify as Latino. CSUSM is committed to providing accessible, top-tier education to the Latino community and other underserved groups while addressing their unique needs. CSUSM prioritizes social mobility because it has a transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities, empowering students to unlock their full potential for lifelong success by overcoming barriers that may have hindered earlier generations.

The purpose of this brief is to describe federal legislation and programs that support higher education, and to assess Latino participation in these programs. < Back Federal Policy and Latinos in Higher Education: A Guide for Policymakers and Grantmakers Deborah A. Santiago ; Sarita E. Brown February 2004 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Brief describes federal legislation and programs that support higher education and to assess Latino participation in these programs. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Havidán Rodríguez is the President for the University at Albany - State University of New York, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Havidán Rodríguez President University at Albany - State University of New York Havidán Rodríguez is the 20th president of the University at Albany, one of the nation’s most diverse research universities. The first Latino president of a SUNY four-year institution, he took office in September 2017. Under President Rodríguez’s leadership, the University at Albany has opened a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility, won $75 million in state support for the UAlbany-led Albany Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Initiative, and became the first R1 institution in the northeast to earn the Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to Latino student success. Most recently, under President Rodríguez’s leadership, the College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering returned to UAlbany and merged with the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences to become the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, solidifying UAlbany as an essential partner in semiconductor and nanoscale research and economic development in New York State.

Iris E. Sanchez is the Senior Manager of Institutional Engagement of Excelencia in Education. Iris supports institutional engagement and data-informed strategies that strengthen capacity and impact across Excelencia’s network of colleges and universities. < Back to Our People Page Iris E. Sanchez Senior Manager of Institutional Engagement Excelencia in Education Email : isanchez@edexcelencia.org Current Position As the Senior Manager of Institutional Engagement, Iris supports institutional engagement and data-informed strategies that strengthen capacity and impact across Excelencia’s network of colleges and universities. Past Experiences Iris is a proud first-generation college graduate and daughter of Mexican immigrants, with over 25 years of experience advancing student success, equity, and institutional transformation across higher education and community-based work. Most recently, she served as the Founding Director of Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives at Purdue University Northwest—Indiana’s largest HSI—leading efforts to advance Latino student success through strategic planning, HSI initiatives, and evidence-based practices. Previously, she held senior-level roles as Director of Student Life, Director of Human Resources, and DEI-focused positions during a 20-year career span at Ivy Tech Community College. Iris holds two bachelor’s degrees from Valparaiso University and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University Northwest, along with a certification in Nonprofit Management. Beyond her institutional roles, Iris is deeply engaged in community leadership and advocacy, bringing a holistic, community-centered lens to her work in higher education. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a first-generation college graduate, I understand firsthand how complex and challenging higher education systems can feel without intentional support. I had to navigate those systems on my own, in environments that were not built with students like me in mind. That experience has shaped my commitment to being part of the solution—to help redesign those systems to support student success. I was drawn to Excelencia because the organization goes beyond access and enrollment; it’s about institutional transformation. Being part of this work allows me to contribute not only my professional expertise, but also my lived experience, to help institutions create environments where students are supported by design, not by chance. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia is both inspiring and grounding. There is a strong sense of shared purpose and clarity around why the work matters. It is humbling to be part of national-level institutional transformation and to know that our work influences the lives of so many students. What makes the experience especially meaningful is the people—working alongside like-minded, mission-driven colleagues and learning from two exceptional Latina co-founders who model values-based leadership every day. Excelencia is a space where people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to the work, trusting that our voices, experiences, and expertise contribute to something larger.

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 Hawaii, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Hawaii 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) 37% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 59% Of White adults Fast Facts Hawaii had the 39th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 17% K-12 Population 10% Total Population Enrollment 20% Latino Students 24% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 45 White Median Income $36,747 Without a college degree $63,106 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Hawaii. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Hawaii. 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 Hawaii at Manoa Public, 4-year or above 14,306 2,005 14% 3,049 353 12% 2 Hawaii Pacific University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 2,502 564 23% 532 76 14% 3 Leeward Community College Public, 2-year 3,382 558 16% 841 141 17% 4 Kapiolani Community College Public, 2-year 3,955 467 12% 613 65 11% 5 University of Hawaii-West Oahu Public, 4-year or above 2,510 383 15% 630 79 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.