< 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

Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth as AI and emerging technologies reshape work. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Ruyu (Iris) Yan; Lily Cuellarsola; Deborah A. Santiago March 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For over 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in STEAM represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices that advance Latino talent, strengthen our economy, and ensure America’s future. Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates changes across industries, the future of work will rely on an interdisciplinary workforce that pairs technical expertise with uniquely human capabilities like creativity and collaboration. Integrating the arts into STEM is essential for national competitiveness; however, Latinos remain significantly underrepresented in these high-wage, high-growth sectors. This brief presents Excelencia's insights on Latino participation in the STEAM education-to-workforce pipeline and actionable strategies for institutions and employers to close persistent gaps. The top 5 institutions awarding STEAM credentials to Latinos across all credential levels are: Miami Dade College in Florida (FL) Dallas College (TX) Central New Mexico Community College (NM) Valencia College (FL) Lone Star College System (TX) Institutions can ensure Latinos are included among our future STEAM workforce by: Including the arts in STEM curricula. Assessing and increasing Latino participation in STEM and STEAM programs. Expanding post-completion STEAM support for graduates. Evaluating and deepening industry partnerships. Tracking how Latino alumni apply their education in the workforce and using those insights to refine programs and strengthen career readiness. Collaborating with other stakeholders to strengthen the STEAM talent pipeline. Employers can ensure Latinos are included among our future STEAM workforce by: Recruiting from the top institutions graduating Latinos in STEAM. Investing in interdisciplinary Latino talent ecosystems. Aligning workforce and academic goals. Collaborating on data and insight sharing. Engaging faculty as innovation partners. Connecting Latino professionals as mentors to support current students’ transitions into STEAM careers. For the executive summary and lists of Top 25 institutions graduating Latinos in STEAM, visit: Finding Your Workforce STEAM Executive Summary Top 25 Institutions Awarding Degrees to Latinos in STEAM - Companion piece Suggested Citation: Yan, R., Cuellarsola, L., & Santiago, D. (2026). Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

It's hard to imagine the realm without Excelencia. They’ve been strong and effective advocates on behalf of students. A critical partner – in terms of importance, but also perspective – they challenge all of us in the community to be mindful of needs and challenges of Latino students. Leadership A National Network of Leaders for Latino, and All, Student Success The Latino community brings talent and vitality to America's economy, workforce, and society, and we must accelerate their success while increasing all student success. Excelencia in Education's E-Action network of presidents work with Excelencia to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts at the national level to ensure Latino, and all, students thrive. LEARN MORE How Do We Work With Institutions? Excelencia meets institutions where they are on their journeys to increase Latino, and all, student success with intentionality and impact. EXPLORE THE JOURNEY Building Momentum for Higher Education Transformation Excelencia’s network represents a small percentage of colleges and universities nationwide that disproportionately enroll and graduate Latino students. These institutions are changing the face of higher education. DISCOVER OUR IMPACT

Elizabeth Béjar is Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer at Florida International University, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Elizabeth Béjar Provost, Executive Vice President, and COO Florida International University Elizabeth B é jar, serves as Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer at Florida International University , one of 46 institutions that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for striving to go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students . She is a key member of the university’s executive leadership, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $1.4 billion and providing strategic oversight of the institution’s academic and student success portfolio. Her expertise lies in understanding the changing landscape of higher education; working to propel the value proposition of higher education with intentionality and through the lens of student learning and success and research excellence. Béjar leads critical strategic initiatives, including the development of the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan, along with an implementation plan to further FIU’s mission to curate a meaningful student experience that leads to excellent outcomes. She joined FIU in 2003 and has held several key leadership positions.

Michael Gutierrez is President of Hartnell College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Hartnell College Michael Gutierrez President Institution website: https://www.hartnell.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.hartnell.edu/about/president/presidents-profile-cv.html Michael Gutierrez is President of Hartnell College and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 Hartnell College’s main campus is in Salinas, California with a service area that spans about 90 miles through the heart of the Salinas Valley. Approximately 80% of the Salinas community identifies as Latino and 75% of residents speak Spanish as their primary language, with high poverty rates and low levels of educational attainment. Hartnell College addresses the needs of its Latino community and student population through a structural, programmatic, and community-focused approach, enrolling approximately 12,000 students annually, with 83% identifying as Latino and 75% enrolling part-time due to family and work obligations.

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 Wyoming, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Wyoming 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) 21% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 45% Of White adults Fast Facts Wyoming had the 43rd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 16% K-12 Population 11% Total Population Enrollment 15% Latino Students 19% White Students Median Age 28 Latinos 41 White Median Income $40,268 Without a college degree $56,753 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 7%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Wyoming. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 19%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Wyoming. 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 Wyoming Public, 4-year or above 8,047 757 9% 2,126 160 8% 2 Laramie County Community College Public, 4-year or above 2,563 505 20% 459 71 15% 3 WyoTech Private for-profit, 2-year 1,204 339 28% 181 35 19% 4 Casper College Public, 2-year 2,239 236 11% 549 39 7% 5 Western Wyoming Community College Public, 4-year or above 1,289 226 18% 269 50 19% 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.

Carine Feyten is Chancellor and President of Texas Woman's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Texas Woman's University Carine Feyten Chancellor and President Institution website: https://twu.edu/ Bio Page: https://twu.edu/chancellor/about-chancellor-feyten/ Carine Feyten is Chancellor and President of Texas Woman's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 Texas Woman’s University (TWU), the nation’s first woman-focused university system, enrolls 10,150 undergraduate students, of whom 34% are Latino students and 56% are Pell Grant recipients. TWU’s academic and student life missions together is the overarching vision of a university experience that develops the whole person. Built on the cornerstones of experiential learning and leadership development, TWU aims to graduate thriving individuals who have a strong sense of community, health, prosperity, and purpose.

This report highlights the borrowing patterns of students who choose to enroll in college and provides suggestions about why certain students may not borrow. < Back Student Aversion to Borrowing: Who Borrows and Who Doesn't Deborah A. Santiago ; Alisa Cunningham November 2008 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication, Fact Sheet Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This report highlights the borrowing patterns of students who choose to enroll in college and provides suggestions about why certain students may not borrow, even when borrowing seems to be a logical choice. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< 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

The Excelencia Fellowship Program engages leaders from Seal of Excelencia certified institutions in the E-Action network that have demonstrated data-informed, student-centered, continuous improvement to ensure their students thrive. The Excelencia Fellowship Program The Excelencia Fellowship Program engages leaders from Seal of Excelencia certified institutions in the Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network that have demonstrated data-informed, student-centered, continuous improvement to ensure their students thrive. These institutions nominate campus leaders who exemplify their commitment to intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. In turn, Excelencia puts a select few on a path to serve on the frontline of higher education transformation through the program. Fellows participate in programming that deepens their understanding of federal higher education policy and national strategy and leverages the Seal of Excelencia framework so they can strengthen institutional effectiveness and build a strong community of practice. In the three years since the program began, several leaders have been promoted and at least one Fellow has become the president of an institution. Excelencia selected 12 higher education leaders for our 2026 cohort of Fellows, increasing their voices to inform policy and practice 2026 Excelencia Fellows Claudia Aguilar Interim Chief Innovation Officer, Long Beach City College Yvania Garcia-Pusateri Director, Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers, California State University, Fullerton Victor Munoz Director of First Year Experience, City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College April Aultman Becker Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Sul Ross State University Alam Hasson Vice Provost, California State University, Fresno Maira Rodriguez Director of Virtual Support, Pima Community College Gilbert V. Castillo, Jr. Dean for Performance Excellence, San Antonio College Julia Heck Associate Vice President for Student Life and Support Programs and Dean of Students, California State University Channel Islands Luis Duarte Executive Director of the Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) Program, University of Illinois Chicago Patricia López Associate Professor and Chair, California State University, Fresno Marla Franco Special Advisor, Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives, University of Arizona Deanna Merino Contino Associate Vice President, Student Life, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in North Dakota, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - North Dakota 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) 34% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 49% Of White adults Fast Facts North Dakota had the 47th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 7% K-12 Population 5% Total Population Enrollment 14% Latino Students 26% White Students Median Age 22 Latinos 39 White Median Income $40,777 Without a college degree $62,419 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 20%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in North Dakota. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 19%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in North Dakota. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 University of North Dakota Public, 4-year or above 9,296 532 6% 1,859 78 4% 2 North Dakota State University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 9,567 293 3% 2,131 63 3% 3 Minot State University Public, 4-year or above 2,072 197 10% 489 39 8% 4 Bismarck State College Public, 4-year or above 2,629 148 6% 670 28 4% 5 Williston State College Public, 2-year 686 133 19% 240 25 10% 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 collaborated with 4 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and their employer partners to learn how they prepare Latino students for the workforce. < Back Tapping Latino Talent: How HSIs are Preparing Latino Students for the Workforce Janette Martinez; Deborah A. Santiago July 2020 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Institutions that know who they are serving, like the ones featured in this report, can more readily adapt to serve their students best - especially in challenging times. Latinos’ degree attainment and skill development are important to our nation’s need for a competitive workforce and strong civic leadership. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) enroll the majority of Latino students (67%) and thus can play an integral part in Latino students’ academic success and workforce preparation. Trendsetting HSIs are continuously adapting their efforts to support students’ strengths and meet their needs. Excelencia in Education collaborated with practitioners at four trendsetting HSIs and their employer partners to learn how they are preparing their students to enter into the workforce and remain competitive: Felician University (New Jersey) Florida International University (Florida) CUNY Lehman College (New York) Texas Woman’s University (Texas) This brief was ready to be released before the Covid-19 pandemic. Excelencia followed up with the leaders of these four institutions to learn how they shifted their efforts in order to serve their students. Findings: Five strategies to SERVE that were consistent across the institutions are detailed in this brief: Workforce preparation is a goal across campus, not just the role of the career services offices. The institutions have adapted to changes in workforce demands and changes in their student bodies. Institutions are emphasizing experiential learning opportunities in and outside the classroom to expand access to hands-on learning. Institutions are revamping their workforce efforts based on data and using data to continually evolve. The institutions work with local employers to meet the needs of the region and make the transition from school to work easier for their students. Webinar Presenters: Deborah Santiago , CEO, Excelencia in Education (moderator) Janette Martinez , Senior Policy and Research Analyst, Excelencia in Education Nicolas Valencia Diaz , Biomedical Engineering student, Florida International University Patricia Roe , Vice President of Philanthropy, Strada Education Network Mark Rosenberg , President, Florida International University and Excelencia President for Latino Student Success Webinar-Presentation-Tapping-Latino-Talent .pdf Download PDF • 2.11MB Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce