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John Nunes is President of California Lutheran University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California Lutheran University John Nunes President Institution website: https://www.callutheran.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.callutheran.edu/president/about.html John Nunes is President of California Lutheran University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page Four Higher Education Programs Recognized for Their Exemplary Work in Advancing Latino, and all, Student Success Sep 30, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Recognizes the 2024 Examples of Excelencia, Amplifying Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latino, and All, Students WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 30, 2024) – In our 20th year identifying and promoting what works for Latino, and all, students in higher education, Excelencia in Education announced today four programs recognized as the 2024 Examples of Excelencia . These programs exemplify what is possible when higher education institutions and community-based organizations intentionally serve Latino, and all, students on their journey to and through college. The 2024 Examples are addressing academic barriers, creating a sense of belonging, increasing affordability, providing experiential learning opportunities, and investing in wrap-around services that improve higher education outcomes. Each year, four Examples of Excelencia are selected from the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels for their intentionality and evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success. The 2024 Examples emerged from 345 nominations from 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 103 program submissions, and 18 finalists. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are: English for Academic Purposes , Reading Area Community College – Reading, PA (Associate Level) The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) , Washington State University – Pullman, WA (Baccalaureate Level) Project upGRADS , California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA (Graduate Level) Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed , The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. – Immokalee, FL (Community-Based Organization Level) “We must make a positive difference in the lives of our college students who trust us to help them meet their education goals. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are proof there is good work implemented around the country," said Adriana Rodriguez, COO and vice president for institutional programs at Excelencia in Education. “These programs model what other institutions and organizations can implement in their own communities.” Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino, and all, student success in higher education. Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to programs making a positive difference for Latino, and all, students across the country. A committee of diverse higher education leaders selected the 2024 Examples of Excelencia to showcase innovative programming and proven practices that support Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially. These programs serve as replicable models of cultural responsiveness that lead to credit and degree completion, which in turn supports Latino families and communities to ensure America’s future. Programs selected annually as Examples of Excelencia and finalists are featured online in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in evidence-based programming for Latino, and all, students. This year’s Examples of Excelencia will be honored at the organization’s annual Celebración de Excelencia in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the 2024 Examples of Excelencia : https://www.edexcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/annual-examples-excelencia About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Cynthia Olivo is President of Fullerton College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Fullerton College Cynthia Olivo President Institution website: https://www.fullcoll.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.fullcoll.edu/president/#:~:text=About%20President%20Olivo,and%20academic%20excellence%20for%20students. Cynthia Olivo is President of Fullerton College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

As Latinos drive economic growth, higher education plays a key role in post-completion success. Explore strategies from leading HSIs that ensure workforce success beyond graduation. < Back Informing and Compelling Action: Advancing Post-Completion Success for Latino Students Fact Sheet Excelencia in Education January 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Why Post-Completion Success Matter s As the Latino population grows, their educational and career success is tied to the nation’s economic prosperity. Despite current discourse that calls to question the value of higher education, research continues to show that a college degree increases lifetime earnings, job stability, and long-term well-being. For Latino students, degrees can transform life trajectories—not only for individuals but for entire families. Strengthening pathways from college to career for Latino, and all, students is key to our country, future workforce, and advancing economic mobility. In this fact sheet, we provide a summary of key trends on Latinos in the workforce and three post-completion success strategies. Key Trends Latino College Enrollment & Completion: Enrollment grew from 49% to 58% and completion grew from 23% to 41% (2000–2022) Projected Growth: Latino college enrollment projected to rise 21% by 2030, reaching 4.5 million students Latinos’ Labor Force Participation: Highest among racial/ethnic groups (66%) and projected to account for 91% of new workers by 2031 Opportunity Gaps: Latinos are overrepresented in low-wage jobs and underrepresented in management and professional occupations. In 2023, only 26% of Latinos held management or professional jobs, compared to 59% of Asians, 44% of Whites, and 36% of African Americans. Strategies for Post-Completion Success Latinos are driving the nation’s economic growth, and higher education has the responsibility to ensure that all students thrive and succeed beyond degree completion. Excelencia’s fact sheet highlights three key post-completion strategies that institutions can implement to advance Latino, and all, students’ success beyond graduation: Preparing Students for Workforce Success by Embedding Career Development into Academics Linking Students to Workforce Opportunities Through Partnerships and Experiential Learning Measuring and Tracking Outcomes to Drive Data-Informed Workforce Preparation Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). Informing and Compelling Action: Advancing Post-Completion Success for Latino Students Fact Sheet. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, success, and completion at 8 Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back Reality Check: Hispanic-Serving Institutions on the Texas Border Strategizing Financial Aid Deborah A. Santiago January 2011 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Executive Summary SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview As Latino representation in U.S. higher education grows, a reality check of institutional practices that support Latino, and all, students' access, persistence, and graduation is needed. This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, academic success and degree completion at eight Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) located along the U.S.-Mexico border serving low-income communities. These institutions rank among the top institutions, both statewide and nationally, in enrolling and graduating Latino students: Texas A&M International University The University of Texas at Brownsville The University of Texas at El Paso The University of Texas Pan American Laredo Community College Texas Southmost College El Paso County Community College District South Texas College Understanding what influences Latino students' financial aid choices and which institutional practices are effective in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students amongst all is directly relevant to other institutions that are only beginning to experience growth in the number of their non-traditional students. The findings of this brief are intended to inform the programs and services at institutions with growing Hispanic enrollment, as well as state and federal policymakers addressing the broader growth of Hispanic students throughout higher education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in South Dakota. Latino College Completion - South Dakota Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 29% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 46% Of White adults Fast Facts South Dakota had the 46th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 7% K-12 Population 4% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 49% Latino Students 69% White Students Median Age 22 Latinos 41 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 39% Latino Students 59% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 20%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in South Dakota. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 20%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in South Dakota. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in South Dakota, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of South Dakota Public, 4-year or above 5,328 240 5% 2 South Dakota State University Public, 4-year or above 8,651 221 3% 3 National American University-Rapid City Private for-profit, 4-year or above 937 124 13% 4 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Public, 4-year or above 1,976 106 5% 5 Dakota State University Public, 4-year or above 1,910 94 5% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in South Dakota, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 National American University-Rapid City Private for-profit, 4-year or above 106 13 12% 2 Southeast Technical College Public, 2-year 619 13 2% 3 Mitchell Technical College Public, 2-year 321 11 3% 4 Western Dakota Technical College Public, 2-year 226 10 4% 5 Lake Area Technical College Public, 2-year 571 8 1% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in South Dakota, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of South Dakota Public, 4-year or above 1,230 37 3% 2 South Dakota State University Public, 4-year or above 1,850 37 2% 3 National American University-Rapid City Private for-profit, 4-year or above 244 28 11% 4 Black Hills State University Public, 4-year or above 423 25 6% 5 South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Public, 4-year or above 352 16 5% Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in Michigan. Latino College Completion - Michigan Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 30% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 43% Of White adults Fast Facts Michigan had the 20th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 9% K-12 Population 6% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 21% Latino Students 23% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 43 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 54% Latino Students 64% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 2%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Michigan. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Michigan. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Michigan, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Public, 4-year or above 32,063 2,352 7% 2 Michigan State University Public, 4-year or above 38,424 2,344 6% 3 Grand Rapids Community College Public, 2-year 11,244 1,689 15% 4 Western Michigan University Public, 4-year or above 14,286 1,208 8% 5 Grand Valley State University Public, 4-year or above 19,239 1,208 6% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Michigan, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Grand Rapids Community College Public, 2-year 1,393 152 11% 2 Lansing Community College Public, 2-year 1,157 93 8% 3 Washtenaw Community College Public, 2-year 1,293 90 7% 4 Oakland Community College Public, 2-year 1,644 67 4% 5 Delta College Public, 2-year 911 66 7% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Michigan, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Public, 4-year or above 7,995 495 6% 2 Michigan State University Public, 4-year or above 9,245 397 4% 3 Grand Valley State University Public, 4-year or above 4,543 256 6% 4 Western Michigan University Public, 4-year or above 3,528 193 5% 5 Wayne State University Public, 4-year or above 3,959 185 5% Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

< Back to News Page New Analysis Shows Latino Talent Is Key to U.S. Global Competitiveness as AI Changes Workforce Needs Mar 17, 2026 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Identifies Top Institutions and Strategies Cultivating Latino Talent to Meet Demands of High-Growth STEAM Fields WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 17, 2026) – A new analysis from Excelencia in Education makes clear that integrating the arts into STEM is essential to heightening U.S. global competitiveness as AI reshapes industries. Latino talent will be key to building an interdisciplinary workforce equipped to guide new technologies. The brief, Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) , examines national trends in Latinos’ STEAM degree completion, identifies top colleges and universities where Latinos earn STEAM credentials, and provides strategies for institutions and employers to prepare and recruit Latino talent for fast-growing STEAM fields. Excelencia’s analysis shows that Latinos earned nearly one-third of all STEAM degrees in 2023. However, they are underrepresented in STEM and STEAM occupations. For example, Latinos make up only 15% of the STEM workforce, despite accounting for 18% of all U.S. workers and being projected to drive the majority of workforce growth in the next decade. With STEAM occupations growing twice as fast as others, meeting the nation’s demand for a workforce that combines technical expertise, creativity, collaboration, and problem solving will take intentional investment to expand the Latino community’s access to interdisciplinary, career-connected education. The brief identifies the top 25 institutions where Latinos earn STEAM credentials — prime locations for recruiting Latino talent. Among the top 25, seven have earned the Seal of Excelencia , a national certification for continuous improvement and positive impact on student success, and three are certified by Excelencia as Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs) for delivering strong post-completion outcomes. “The talent our country needs to strengthen and drive growth in our workforce, and especially in the evolving AI-enabled economy, is already here,” said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and CEO. “The institutions and employers that commit to intentionally building partnerships and pathways that connect Latino, and all, graduates to STEAM careers will shape our future.” Excelencia identifies and scales what works with intentionality for Latino, and all, students to ensure higher education remains a powerful engine of social mobility, workforce development, and economic vitality. To that end, the brief highlights evidence-based practices from five ITIs and a Seal of Excelencia certified institution that are enhancing individual outcomes and the broader STEAM workforce pipeline — Arizona State University, Austin Community College, Florida International University, Miami Dade College, The University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of Arizona. These practices inform actionable strategies for institutions and employers to prepare and recruit Latino STEAM talent, creating sustainable ecosystems that expand opportunity and fuel innovation for the nation’s economic and civic future. Strategies for institutions include: Include the arts in STEM curricula; Assess and increase Latino participation in STEM and STEAM programs; Expand post-completion STEAM support for graduates; Evaluate and deepen industry partnerships; Track how Latino alumni apply their education in the workforce and use those insights to refine programs and strengthen career readiness; and Collaborate with other stakeholders to strengthen the STEAM talent pipeline. Strategies for employers include: Recruit from the top institutions graduating Latinos in STEAM. Invest in interdisciplinary Latino talent ecosystems; Align workforce and academic goals with institutional partners; Collaborate on data and insight sharing; Engage faculty as innovation partners; and Connect Latino professionals as mentors to support current students’ transitions into STEAM careers. Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in STEAM was developed in partnership with the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Read the full brief: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/finding-your-workforce-linking-college-completion-us-workforce-needs-steam About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Madelyn Lucas serves as a Policy Analyst of Excelencia in Education. Madelyn leverages data and evidence-based practices that inform Excelencia in Education’s policy portfolio to accelerate Latino student success. < Back to Our People Page Madelyn Lucas Policy Analyst Excelencia in Education Email: mlucas@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: As Policy Analyst, Madelyn leverages data and evidence-based practices that inform Excelencia in Education’s policy portfolio to accelerate Latino student success. Working with the Research team, Madelyn uses current data and the contemporary context of Latinos in higher education to develop Excelencia’s institutional, state, and federal policy recommendations focused on four core issue areas: affordability, retention and transfer, institutional capacity, and workforce development. In this role, Madelyn supports work on institutional transformation by leveraging institutional efforts through the Seal of Excelencia , and also engages with Excelencia’s key stakeholders, including Excelencia’s network of affiliates, congressional staff, and other policy-focused organizations. Past Experiences: Madelyn’s passion for higher education policy was sparked by her experiences as a New Mexico native and first-generation college student. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she interned with the New Mexico Legislature and tracked a wide spectrum of policies during the state’s virtual legislative session. Madelyn later interned with the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation and contributed to fundraising efforts that aimed to support the advancement and preservation of Hispanic art and culture. Madelyn began her journey with Excelencia as Engagement Coordinator, working closely with the Presidents for Latino Student Success network. Then, as a graduate student, she interned with the Committee on Education and the Workforce at the U.S. House of Representatives, researching contemporary K-12 and higher education policies. Madelyn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico and her Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Reflecting on the opportunities that higher education has provided me, I strongly believe that our nation’s future depends on closing equity gaps in educational outcomes. While education has important economic benefits, I also believe that it fosters compassion and provides opportunities for civic engagement. Engaging in national efforts to address post-traditional pathways and ensure Latino students are prepared for the workforce is such a privilege, and what sets Excelencia apart is how we uplift evidence-based practices and meet institutions where they are. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? I am fortunate to collaborate closely with talented and passionate individuals who are eager to work in common cause, support the growth of one another, and celebrate individual and team wins. There is a strong sense of confianza that makes Excelencia’s team special. I feel blessed to be part of an organization where my “why” so closely aligns with my day-to-day work.

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. DONATE NOW 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. By donating to the Futuro Fund, you grow support for colleges and universities that are leading the path forward for higher education. Our goal is for your donation to be matched dollar for dollar as Excelencia supports institutions that have earned the Seal of Excelencia for intentionally serving Latino, and all, students — fueling our nation’s workforce, civic leadership, and prosperity. Scan the QR code above to make tax-deductible donations today! To stay connected and support Excelencia in Education, please sign up now. Our Funding Partners Excelencia is grateful to all who support our mission. Here, we highlight leaders who have made common cause with us by investing at higher funding levels to advance excellence and student success in higher education: Sponsors: Hispanic Scholarship Fund Kresge Foundation Trellis Foundation Wells Fargo Funders: Bank of America Cisneros Foundation ECMC Foundation Gates Foundation Kresge Foundation Lumina Foundation Mellon Foundation Raikes Foundation The Equity Research Cooperative The Hector and Gloria López Foundation Trellis 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.

Excelencia established the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to better SERVE Latino students. Seal of Excelencia Trendsetting colleges and universities across the country are taking responsibility for transformation that ensures their students earn a quality education of value. Excelencia in Education created the Seal of Excelencia as a national certification that holds colleges and universities accountable for continuous improvement in student success before and beyond graduation — reinforcing higher education’s role as an engine of social mobility, economic vitality, and workforce development. The Seal of Excelencia recognizes and drives excellence at institutions with Latino students, knowing that an intentional, mission-driven investment that includes serving this population, ensures all of our students, communities, and country are served. " The Seal of Excelencia recognizes institutions that are lifting the students that they serve. Being an institution that serves Latino learners should do more than just serving — ensuring students have everything they need when they walk out those doors to improve their lives and the lives of their families for generations to come. That intentionality was missing before Excelencia introduced the Seal. " - Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President & CEO, College Futures Foundation Continuous, Student-Centered Improvement The Seal of Excelencia is a rigorous, student-centered, data-informed certification framework that requires colleges and universities to show momentum leading to continuous improvement in student outcomes. Institutions earn this standard of excellence through an intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and leadership, all resulting in student success. Is your institution ready to demonstrate intentionality and impact? The Seal of Excelencia Framework FIND OUT The Seal represents a voluntary journey of continuous improvement in student success — not a destination. Excelencia charted this journey based on 20 years of working with institutions and offers tools to assess readiness and build capacity along the way. There are 45 institutions that have earned the Seal, spanning three progressive levels of certification: Certified, Recertified, and Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs). Could your institution lead alongside these trendsetters? Institutions on the Seal Certification Journey JOIN THEM The Seal and Institutional Value The Seal helps colleges and universities move beyond isolated programs toward systemic change to intentionally serve all students. Seal certification is both a national standard of excellence and proof of positive student impact to funders, accreditors, and communities. Does Seal certification align with your institution’s vision? LOOK AHEAD Expand Your Knowledge with Excelencia How does the Seal of Excelencia uphold the value of higher education? The Seal framework reinforces four essential components of higher education value: 1) Ensuring all students succeed; 2) Supporting continuous improvement institution-wide; 3) Enhancing economic/social mobility; and 4) Demonstrating effective use of public funds. Institutions that earn the Seal articulate how they deliver this value for students, communities, and our country. Does the Seal of Excelencia apply only to institutions serving Latino students? The Seal framework combines data on the educational pathway for all students served — not Latinos alone — with evidence of impact from intentional practices and leadership commitment from strategic planning. For that reason, it applies to all institutions serving post-traditional students. Excelencia focuses on Latino students because they represent the post-traditional majority, and what works for them can also work for others. What distinguishes Seal of Excelencia certified institutions from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)? HSIs are defined as having 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic student full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment, and they constitute a critical set of colleges and universities expanding access to higher education. Through the Seal, Excelencia asserts the opportunity to go beyond enrollment and deconstruct the “S” in “HSI” to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. An institution does not need to be an HSI to earn the Seal. Is my institution ready to start the Seal of Excelencia certification journey? Institutions must join our community of practice and affiliate with the Excelencia in Action network to be eligible for Seal certification. Applicants will tell their story of intentionally serving Latino, and all, students through data, practice, and leadership. Institutions can assess their readiness for certification with our Seal Serving Institutional Transformation Assessment (SSITA) tool and capacity building opportunities. To learn more, contact us at: Seal@EdExcelencia.org. What makes Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs) stand out from other Seal of Excelencia certified institutions? ITIs have committed to the journey toward continuous improvement for more than six years, earning Seal recertification twice along the way. In addition to ensuring Latino, and all, students thrive on campus, ITIs demonstrate strong post-completion success outcomes — preparing and linking Latino, and all, students to the workforce and growing talent for America’s future.

Andres Oroz is President of City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College Andres Oroz President Institution website: https://www.ccc.edu/wright/home/ Bio Page: http://www.ccc.edu/colleges/wright/departments/Pages/President's-Office.aspx Andres Oroz is President of City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 Wilbur Wright College (Wright College), one of the institutions of the City Colleges of Chicago, is in the Northwest side of the city of Chicago, which has a heavy Latino representation. Of the more than 7,500 students enrolled at Wright, 62% are Latino. The college emphasizes collaboration, communication, and intentionality with a focus on serving and deepening partnerships with the community to serve its students.