Juan Sánchez Muñoz is Chancellor of the University of California-Merced and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of California-Merced Juan Sánchez Muñoz Chancellor Institution website: https://www.ucmerced.edu/ Bio Page: https://chancellor.ucmerced.edu/meet-chancellor/munoz Juan Sánchez Muñoz is Chancellor of the University of California-Merced and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 University of California, Merced (UC Merced) continues to enroll increasing numbers of students as one of the fastest-growing campuses in the UC system. In fall 2023, more than 8,000 undergraduate students enrolled at UC Merced with 54% identifying as Latino. The 2023 first-year class of 2,416 students, the largest in campus history, comes almost entirely from California of which 60% are Pell Grant-eligible and more than 62% are the first in their family to attend college.

These programs positively impact their Latino students and local communities by incorporating intentional and culturally relevant evidence-based practices. Examples of Excelencia Finalists 2026 Excelencia in Education announces finalists and Programs to Watch for the 2026 Examples of Excelencia . This year, Excelencia is recognizing and elevating what works by highlighting practices in four key issue areas that are shaping and evolving the landscape of higher education for Latino, and all, students. The four areas are: (1) Career and Workforce, (2) Teaching and Learning, (3) Student Support, and (4) AI Innovation . The finalists recognized this year are making a measurable difference for students and their local communities through intentional, culturally relevant, evidence-based practices. Their programs offer sustainable and data-informed models that can inspire higher education leaders to advance student success across diverse institutional contexts. The 2026 Examples of Excelencia finalists join a Community of Practice for What Works—a national network of recognized programs dedicated to sharing what works, learning from one another, and driving institutional change that benefits Latino, and all, students. For more than two decades, Excelencia in Education has elevated evidence-based practices that are transforming higher education. Through Examples of Excelencia , the organization has reviewed more than 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their measurable impact, and awarded more than $2.2 million to support programs advancing Latino student success. Looking to connect with these programs or other evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide you with a curated list of programs making an impact on student success based on the state, academic level, or issue area of your interest. Contact us . CAREER & WORKFORCE: Blue Chip Leadership Experience | University of Arizona (AZ) Institution/Organization: University of Arizona State: Arizona Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Mentoring, Other, Leadership Learn More: https://career.arizona.edu/blue-chip-leadership-experience/ Nursing BSN Bridge | San Antonio College (TX) Institution/Organization : San Antonio College State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus : Adult Learners, Dual Credit Learn More : https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/nursing-education/bsn/ ? Spanish for Global Health and Human Services | University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization : University of Texas at Arlington State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL, Other, Workforce Pipeline and Health Equity Learn More : https://catalog.uta.edu/liberalarts/languages/undergraduate/spanish-global-health-human-svcs-minor/ TEACHING & LEARNING: The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program | The University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship Student Experience Project Faculty Community of Practice | The University of Texas at San Antonio (TX) Institution/Organization : The University of Texas at San Antonio State : Texas Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Faculty Development Learn More : https://provost.utsa.edu/academicinnovation/sep/ STUDENT SUPPORT: College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI) | Portland Community College (OR) Institution/Organization : Portland Community College State : Oregon Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: First Year Support, Mentoring Learn More : https://www.pcc.edu/college-access-latinx-initiative/ College Success Program | Latino Education Advancement Foundation (CA) Institution/Organization : Latino Education Advancement Foundation State : California Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Family Engagement, First Year Support Learn More : https://www.leafca.org/what-we-do/college-success-program Early College | Cerritos Community College District (CA) Institution/Organization : Cerritos Community College District State : California Area of Impact: Access Program Focus: College Prep, Dual Credit G-Force Work-Study Mentorship Program (TWU Go Program) | Texas Woman's University (TX) Institution/Organization : Texas Woman's University State : Texas Area of Impact : Retention Program Focus : Mentoring Learn More : https://twu.edu/firstgen/ Honors Living-Learning Community | Rutgers University-Newark (NJ) Institution/Organization : Rutgers University-Newark State : New Jersey Area of Impact: Access Program Focus : Other, Holistic student support Learn More : https://hllc.newark.rutgers.edu/ SOAR: Summer Orientation and Registration | Aurora University (IL) Institution/Organization : Aurora University State: Illinois Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus : First Year Support Learn More : https://aurora.edu/student-life/orientation/summer.html

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 Texas, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Texas 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 52% Of White adults Fast Facts Texas had the 2nd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 48% K-12 Population 40% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 42 White Median Income $33,737 Without a college degree $65,146 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Texas. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Texas. 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 Texas Rio Grande Valley Public, 4-year or above 27,026 25,338 94% 4,810 4,530 94% 2 Lone Star College System Public, 4-year or above 47,486 21,532 45% 8,790 3,685 42% 3 Dallas College Public, 4-year or above 41,815 20,761 50% 7,729 3,973 51% 4 El Paso Community College Public, 2-year 22,893 19,005 83% 3,321 2,850 86% 5 The University of Texas at San Antonio Public, 4-year or above 29,675 18,170 61% 5,880 3,441 59% 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.

This brief summarizes practices from 12 stop Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) improving access, retention, and academic achievement of Latino, and all, students. < Back Modeling Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Campus Practices That Work for Latino Students Deborah A. Santiago May 2008 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This report focuses on successful practices at 12 top-ranked Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) working to increase Latino, and all, student success. Designed to provide a closer view of effective leadership, institutional practices, and guiding principles supporting Latino, and all, student success, this report offers promising ideas and strategies for all U.S. colleges and universities to bolster results for Latino students. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

William Heineman is President of North Shore Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page North Shore Community College William Heineman President Institution website: https://www.northshore.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.northshore.edu/news/2021/heineman_5th_president.html William Heineman is President of North Shore Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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

Christopher Maynard is President of Texas A&M International University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Texas A&M International University Christopher Maynard President Institution website: https://www.tamiu.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/2025/09/tamiumaynardpresident91825.shtml Christopher Maynard is President of Texas A&M International University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Luke Wood is President of California State University-Sacramento and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Sacramento Luke Wood President Institution website: https://www.csus.edu/ Bio Page: http://www.csus.edu/president/ Luke Wood is President of California State University-Sacramento and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2023-2026 California State University Sacramento (Sacramento State) serves over 28,000 undergraduate students, 39% of whom are Latino. An anchor university, Sacramento State has seen enrollment of full-time and part-time Latino students increase by 34% and 66%, respectively, from 2015-2023.

Laura Skandera Trombley is President of Southwestern University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Southwestern University Laura Skandera Trombley President Institution website: https://www.southwestern.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.southwestern.edu/about-southwestern/president-trombley/ Laura Skandera Trombley is President of Southwestern University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Luis Pedraja is President of Quinsigamond Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Quinsigamond Community College Luis Pedraja President Institution website: https://www.qcc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.qcc.edu/about-qcc/presidents-office Luis Pedraja is President of Quinsigamond Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Wear your commitment to Latino student success in higher education with Excelencia’s apparel collection. Every purchase supports our efforts to ensure access to excellence for Latino, and all, students. Wear Your Support for Latino Student Success Excelencia’s apparel collection gives you the opportunity to show your commitment to Latino student success while contributing to our shared mission. Every purchase directly supports Excelencia's efforts to strengthen colleges and universities that are intentionally serving Latino, and all, students and growing excellence for our country’s future. When you wear Excelencia apparel, you join a community of advocates who proudly demonstrate their belief in ensuring access to excellence for all through higher education. You also inspire others to champion student success and educational opportunity. Wear the mission, support Excelencia , and help expand Excelencia’s impact. SHOP THE COLLECTION

This brief examines the pragmatic choices Latinos make to pay for college and the role institutions play in ensuring a college degree is affordable for Latino, and all, students. < Back How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends Cassandra Arroyo, Emily Labandera, and Deborah Santiago March 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latinos make informed and pragmatic choices to pay for college, and the institutions intentionally serving them are making strides to ensure the price of a college degree is affordable. This brief builds on 20 years of Excelencia in Education’s research on Latino students and college affordability and lessons learned from institutional leadership and students’ experiences. Findings Many Latino students make choices with what they can control as cost-saving measures and rely on various forms of financial aid to make college more affordable. Consider the following choices Latino students make: Work 30 hours or more while enrolled in college. Enroll part-time or “swirl” between colleges to take courses needed. Decide to enroll at more affordable public colleges near where they live. Choose to live with their parents or off-campus. Rely on federal financial aid over other sources of aid. Leverage grant aid more often than loans. Leading institutions make choices with what they can control to make college more affordable. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions implement strategies and practices to help make the cost of a college education more affordable. These efforts help inform what institutions can do to increase access to a college education and financially support Latino, and all, students. Consider the following strategies and practices: Align institutional aid to provide funds to mitigate students’ unexpected financial challenges. Offer paid internships or on-campus employment opportunities so that Latino, and all, students can offset the cost of their degree while simultaneously gaining transferable skills. Provide support services to help their students make informed decisions about their college costs. Contain student costs by offering OER (Open Educational Resources) for courses. Advance full tuition scholarships to students with family incomes at or below a specific financial level. Facilitate and simplify access to aid by managing joint admissions and financial aid applications between two-year and four-year college partners. Intentionally serving Latino, and all, students at scale benefits from knowing and implementing what works to accelerate Latino student success at the state and federal levels based on efforts by policymakers. Learn more about ways states can lead the way and the federal role to support access to high education in this brief. Suggested Citation: Arroyo, C., Labandera, E., & Santiago, D. (March 2025). How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Made possible with generous support from Lumina Foundation Featured Publications How Latino Students Pay For College: Patterns of Financial Aid in 2003-04 Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Affordability Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce