Cultivating Confianza: Excelencia in Education’s Trust-Based Approach to Latino Student Success lays out our roadmap for how we can work together to intentionally SERVE Latino students, while serving all, at this crucial time. Cultivating Confianza: Excelencia in Education’s Trust-Based Approach to Latino Student Success Released: September 2021 Excelencia in Education has served as a reputable research organization and noted change agent in higher education. With a steadfast commitment to accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success, Excelencia works with institutions and education leaders to take a holistic, intentional approach to serving Latino, and all, students. In that time, Excelencia has cultivated a national reputation for not only identifying and lifting up what works, but for doing so with a unique, trust-based approach that ensures change is transformative and sustainable. Cultivating Confianza: Excelencia in Education’s Trust-Based Approach to Latino Student Success tells the story of how Excelencia does this work - and how the next chapter of the organization will leverage these learnings to increase support for Latino, and all, students and those who serve them. Part storytelling, part roadmap, and a call-to-action, Cultivating Confianza provides a unique look at how a successful organization operates, learns, and grows with humility and service to students and their institutions. There is a clear and necessary role for all of us to play in supporting Latino, and all, students over the next decade. Cultivating Confianza outlines how Excelencia will continue carrying out its dynamic leadership role in this endeavor. DOWNLOAD

< Back to News Page National Nonprofit Unveils Direct Impact Fund for Donors Committed to Latino, and All, Student Success Nationwide Dec 17, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education’s Futuro Fund will fuel investment in programming, partnerships, and research working to accelerate college completion goals for Latino, and all, students by 2030 WASHINGTON, D.C. ( December 17, 2024 ) – Excelencia in Education ( Excelencia ) , the nation’s leading organization focused on accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education, concludes its 20th year of service to its mission this month by announcing the Excelencia Futuro Fund . This new direct impact fund will facilitate investment and collaboration among donors committed to advancing Latino, and all, college enrollment, success, and graduation. “Anniversaries remind us of where we’ve been, but they are not destinations. The Futuro Fund marks a significant milestone in our organization’s history with action. We launch the Fund and continue advancing Latino student success with colleges and universities serving all their students,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We invite you to join us in supporting the institutions playing an outsized role in helping more Latino students thrive in college and graduate ready for the workforce and civic leadership. Simply put, this is about investing in what works.” The announcement of the Futuro Fund comes at a pivotal moment — and a shifting policy environment — for American higher education and Latino communities. Hispanic enrollment in higher education has more than doubled since 2008, reflecting the growing share of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. population. Yet there are many more Latino students who could enroll. For those who do, 44% of Latino college students are the first in their families to attend college . That statistic underscores the need to connect Latino students with institutions well-equipped to meet their needs and prepare them for the world of work. Since its founding in 2004, Excelencia has demonstrated a proven track record of identifying evidence-based practices and influencing policy to improve Latino student outcomes amongst all served. To accelerate this vital work, the Futuro Fund will mobilize support and investment around institutions in the Excelencia in Action network that are making significant strides toward the ambitious goal of enrolling and graduating 40% of all Latino undergraduates by 2030. The Fund will support greater impact by expanding at least 20 proven strategies that drive measurable improvements in Latino, and all, student outcomes. “For 20 years, Excelencia has proven itself an indispensable partner to countless college leaders, educators, and policymakers by transforming research into action, policy into impact, and mere conversation into institutional commitments,” said Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, president of the University at Albany, which welcomed a record number of first-year Latino students in 2024 . “The Fund will support the network of colleges and universities committed to providing learning environments where every Latino student can thrive — and inspire others to join us.” Contributions to the Fund also will provide resources and financial support to the more than 45 colleges and universities that have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia , a nationally recognized certification for institutions that go beyond enrolling Latino, and all, students by intentionally supporting their success. Using Excelencia’s framework, Seal-certified institutions outperform other institutions, HSIs and non-HSIs, in student success metrics such as retention and completion rates. “Making good on the promise of college and documenting return-on-investment to the nation through evidence-based outcomes for today’s Hispanic students is vital to the workforce of the future — and the civic and community leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Elizabeth Béjar, provost at Florida International University, a top 50 public research university, one of the nation’s strongest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia -certified university. “For those looking to make a positive, meaningful impact for Hispanic students, the Futuro Fund provides a platform for investing in advocacy, action, and research.” For more information on the Excelencia Futuro Fund and how to support this initiative, visit: EdExcelencia.org/about/donate 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

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 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 student success amongst all students served. LEARN MORE Organize Excelencia organizes leaders with a common cause of accelerating Latino student success to benefit all. LEARN MORE Advocate Excelencia advocates for action and investment that intentionally serves Latino, and all, students. LEARN MORE Accelerating Latino College Completion in 2026 and Beyond Increasing Latino college completion is key to future prosperity Excelencia in Education’s latest analysis of public data on enrollment, degree completion, and attainment shows that gaps persist between Latino students and their White peers. Closing these gaps requires targeted strategies to accelerate Latino degree completion while supporting degree attainment for all students so that the United States can meet future workforce demands and maintain its global competitiveness. EXPLORE DATA HSI Lists: 2024-25 What is included in Excelencia’s release and how can I learn more using this analysis? 631 HSIs Hispanic-Serving Institutions LEARN MORE 427 eHSIs Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions LEARN MORE 276 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 2024-25 data on HSIs in Excelencia’s new HSI interactive dashboard. LEARN MORE Infographic Visualize fast facts with Excelencia’s 2024-25 HSIs Infographic . LEARN MORE StoryMap Learn more about the 31-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 45 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 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists and Programs to Watch Announced Excelencia in Education announces finalists and Programs to Watch for the 2026 Examples of Excelencia . This year, Excelencia recognizes and elevates practices in four key issue areas that are shaping and evolving the landscape of higher education for Latino, and all, students. Programs are recognized in the areas of: (1) Career and Workforce, (2) Teaching and Learning, (3) Student Support , and (4) AI Innovation . SEE ANNOUNCEMENT Latest from Excelencia Stay informed with the latest research and analysis from Excelencia . 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 persist between Latinos and their White peers. Excelencia’s analysis shows that closing the gap in degree completion by accelerating Latino student success while increasing all 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 while increasing all 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 for student success in higher education? 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, and all, 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 for closing gaps in degree attainment and increasing educational and economic opportunity for Latino and post-traditional students while increasing all student success in higher education: 1) workforce, 2) institutional capacity, 3) college affordability, and 4) retention and transfer. Review Our Policy Agenda

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. About A Transformative Leader in Higher 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. DISCOVER OUR STORY What We Do Excelencia meets the opportunity of accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education with a portfolio linking leadership, data, and evidence-based practices in partnership with colleges and universities across the country. We build momentum for institutional efforts that will improve Latinos’ higher educational achievement amongst all served at a national scale by: Leading a community of common cause made up of professionals committed to intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. Informing change agents with data-driven analysis that compels action to improve the educational achievement of Latinos. Promoting education policies and institutional practices that advance Latinos, and all, students' academic achievement. LEARN MORE The Excelencia Team Excelencia’s team is why Excelencia works. Our leadership and staff are dedicated to accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education and advancing our families, communities, and nation. MEET OUR PEOPLE Support Excelencia in Education When you invest in Excelencia , you support our work to empower more Latino, and all, students to graduate and strengthen our country’s civic leadership and workforce. SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Pradeep K. Khosla is Chancellor of the University of California-San Diego and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of California-San Diego Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor Institution website: https://www.ucsd.edu/ Bio Page: https://chancellor.ucsd.edu/about/about-the-chancellor/index.html Pradeep K. Khosla is Chancellor of the University of California-San Diego and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page Over 600 Colleges and Universities Are Now Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Enrolling Nearly One-Third of All Undergraduates Apr 16, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Federal Investments in HSIs Increase Capacity to Enhance Access to Quality Education for Millions of Latino and Other Low-Income Students, New Excelencia in Education Analysis Shows WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 16, 2025) – Excelencia in Education, the premier authority on accelerating Latino student success, while increasing all student success in higher education, released today a comprehensive factbook on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) with annually updated lists of these colleges and universities that disproportionately enroll and graduate Latinos, as well as analysis on their federal funding. It shows that there are now 602 HSIs enrolling 30% of all undergraduates and 64% of Latino undergraduates, and that HSIs successfully competed for an estimated $18 billion in grants from various federal agencies over four years (2020 to 2024) to enhance access to quality education for millions of Latino and other low-income students. The factbook, “ 30 Years of HSIs: Improving Access to Quality for 30% ,” reveals that the number of HSIs continued to grow in 2023-24. HSls are defined as having 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic student full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. Given this definition, the number of HSIs has more than tripled since they first received federal funding in 1994-95, driven by significant growth in Latino undergraduate enrollment. The HSI classification was recognized in federal legislation for capacity-building support to improve academic quality and access to excellence for Latinos and other low-income students. While HSIs are eligible for competitive grants, they are not guaranteed federal funding. Excelencia’s analysis demonstrates that less than one-third of HSIs have received a grant through the Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, even though most have applied at least once. This is despite the fact that the Department of Education has increased funds allocated through the Title V program from $12 million in 1994-95 to $228 million in 2023-24. Funds awarded through Title V grants are intended to improve access to quality education for all students and do not require use specifically for Hispanic students. “HSIs must demonstrate the quality and merit of their efforts to earn federal funding, and they use these funds not to the exclusion of any student but to the benefit of all,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “ Excelencia is focused on ensuring Latino, and all, students in higher education are served with intentionality and impact. Our annual analysis of HSIs is less about institutions that enroll a concentration of a certain racial/ethnic group and more about institutions that provide access to students seeking opportunity.” Institutions have an ongoing opportunity to become learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. Excelencia established the Seal of Excelencia , a national certification for colleges and universities that more intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students, to support this transformation. Only 43 of the 602 HSIs have earned the Seal. Key findings from Excelencia’s HSI analysis include: HSls represent 20% of colleges yet enroll 30% of all undergraduates and over 60% of all Latino undergraduates. HSIs enroll over 1.5 million Latino FTE undergraduate students, compared to 340,000 in 1994-95. Almost half (45%) of undergraduate students at HSIs are Hispanic, while 26% are White, 9% are Black, 9% are Asian, and 11% are of other backgrounds. Over 70% of HSls are public and 60% are four-year institutions. HSls are located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Over 40% of the nation’s HSIs (257) offer graduate programs (gHSIs). The Department of Education’s spending to support HSIs has increased by 65% in the last decade, amounting to $349 million in 2023-24. Beyond HSIs, the number of Emerging HSls (eHSls) — a categorization created by Excelencia to track colleges approaching the 25% Latino student enrollment threshold — also continued to grow, from 412 to 418. eHSIs represent another 14% of all institutions and enroll 15% of Latino students. Excelencia is the leading independent source of information on HSIs and has released annual lists of HSIs, eHSIs, and gHSIs for over 20 years to provide federal agencies, researchers, funders, and others an up-to-date, credible list of institutions that meet the enrollment criteria for HSIs. Access the 2023-24 HSIs Factbook: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/hispanic-serving-institutions-hsis-factbook 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

Justin Lonon is Chancellor of Dallas College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Dallas College Justin Lonon Chancellor Institution website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.dallascollege.edu/employee-directory/admin/jlonon/ Justin Lonon is Chancellor of Dallas College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

George Timmons is President of Holyoke Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Holyoke Community College George Timmons President Institution website: https://www.hcc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.hcc.edu/about/news-events-and-media/news-stories/george-timmons#:~:text=Timmons%2C%2054%2C%20holds%20a%20Ph,State%20University%20in%20Norfolk%2C%20Virginia George Timmons is President of Holyoke Community 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 Maryland, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Maryland 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) 29% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 57% Of White adults Fast Facts Maryland had the 17th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 18% K-12 Population 13% Total Population Enrollment 19% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 29 Latinos 44 White Median Income $39,462 Without a college degree $76,691 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 Maryland. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 8%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Maryland. 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 Maryland Global Campus Public, 4-year or above 48,238 8,484 18% 10,127 1,527 15% 2 Montgomery College Public, 2-year 13,519 4,079 30% 2,594 642 25% 3 University of Maryland-College Park Public, 4-year or above 30,246 3,239 11% 8,075 771 10% 4 Towson University Public, 4-year or above 16,400 1,798 11% 4,064 401 10% 5 Prince George's Community College Public, 2-year 8,049 1,691 21% 1,258 203 16% 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.

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 Indiana, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Indiana 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) 28% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 41% Of White adults Fast Facts Indiana had the 21st largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 13% K-12 Population 9% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 19% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 41 White Median Income $36,458 Without a college degree $60,556 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 Indiana. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 11%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Indiana. 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 Purdue University Global Public, 4-year or above 31,502 5,072 16% 7,077 1,036 15% 2 Indiana University-Bloomington Public, 4-year or above 36,571 3,076 8% 7,456 527 7% 3 Purdue University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 39,637 2,898 7% 8,494 478 6% 4 Indiana University-Indianapolis Public, 4-year or above 16,582 2,335 14% 4,282 445 10% 5 Ivy Tech Community College Public, 2-year 54,926 2,331 4% 8,303 332 4% 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.

Excelencia’s workforce recommendations compel policymakers to ensure access to excellence by aligning higher education and economic opportunity. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Workforce Excelencia in Education June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latinos are the youngest and fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. To support their educational pursuits and maximize their contributions to the workforce and economy, higher education has a responsibility to connect students with career-aligned learning opportunities and meet the needs of the competitive workforce. Excelencia in Education prioritizes: Expanding Work-Based Learning: Strengthening partnerships between colleges and employers to align coursework with employment, provide hands-on experiences, internships, apprenticeships, and career-ready credentials that lead to high-quality jobs with livable wages. Creating Clear Pathways to Workforce Success: Ensuring connectivity between educational programs and careers so students leave higher education with credentials that translate to job opportunities and economic advancement. How can federal and state policy ensure access to excellence by aligning higher education and economic opportunity? Leverage existing federal programs, such as Federal Work-Study, to support experiential learning opportunities for students. Make workforce development an allowable activity for Title V grants to support institutions in creating workforce programs. Incentivize engagement between employers and the institutions serving Latino students. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce