< 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

This brief examines Latino students' college choices, which are converting existing colleges and universities into Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back Choosing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): A Closer Look at Latino Students' College Choices Deborah A. Santiago July 2007 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This brief examines Latino students' college choices. While Latino students may not be aware of the HSI designation, they are in fact converting existing colleges and institutions into HSIs simply as a function of their own decisions - a trend that shows signs of continuing for several more years. To examine Latino students' college choices, we blended analysis of national enrollment patterns with data from focus groups conducted with Latino college students from different institutions across the country. The results show the impact of Latino students' emphasis on selecting colleges near their homes. This emphasis, coupled with the concentration of Latino housing patterns, leads to the concentrated enrollments of Latino students that form HSIs. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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.

Jesse Peters is President of Western Oregon University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Western Oregon University Jesse Peters President Institution website: https://wou.edu/ Bio Page: https://wou.edu/president/?_q=President%27s%20Office Jesse Peters is President of Western Oregon University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

John Keenan is President of Salem State University and a President for Latino Student Success. < Back to E-Action Main Page Salem State University John Keenan President Institution website: https://www.salemstate.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.salemstate.edu/salem-state-difference/presidents-office/john-d-keenan-biography John Keenan is President of Salem State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Mildred Mihlon is President of Felician University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Felician University Mildred Mihlon President Institution website: https://felician.edu/ Bio Page: https://felician.edu/about-felician-university/office-of-the-president/ Mildred Mihlon is President of Felician University 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

This historical timeline graphic shows the origin of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), including legislation and milestones from the mid-1980s to 2014. < Back HSI Origin Timeline Excelencia in Education September 2014 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Infographic PNG-HSI Origin Timeline SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Origins Timeline – This graphic shows the origin of HSIs, including legislation and milestones from the mid-1980s to 2014. Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2014). Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Title V Funding Timeline . Washington, DC: Excelencia in Education. Download infographic png and pdf below. (Please allow a few seconds for loading of interactive infographic.) Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Marie Lynn Miranda is Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Illinois Chicago Marie Lynn Miranda Chancellor Institution website: https://www.uic.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.uic.edu/about/leadership/ Marie Lynn Miranda is Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2023-2026 University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a Hispanic serving research university that serves nearly 22,000 undergraduate students, 36% of whom are Latino. From 2015-2023, Latino students comprised over two-thirds (68%) of the institution’s enrollment growth. UIC enrolls and graduates the largest number of Latino students in Illinois.

San Antonio demonstrates how a community can partner across sectors and institutions to remove financial aid as a barrier for students to access higher education. < Back The Impact of Financial Aid on Student College Access and Success: The San Antonio Experience Noé C. Ortiz ; Eyra A. Pérez March 2014 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview The success of the financial aid initiative is founded on the premise that the truest impact occurs when the greater community owns and develops solutions to issues that impede student progress. Co-authored by two community leaders, Noé Ortiz and Eyra Pérez, the San Antonio experience demonstrates how a community can partner across different sectors and institutions to remove financial aid as a barrier for students to access postsecondary education. The San Antonio case study shares successes, challenges and lessons learned in creating and implementing three strategic components: 1. Student Aid Saturdays San Antonio 2. Financial Aid Curriculum for High School Students 3. Financial Aid Council of San Antonio San Antonio’s growth, diversity, and leadership in strengthening the opportunity for success of its community, provides a useful case study for other communities throughout the United States. In this context, we draw three lessons relevant to communities across America: Partnership development was, and continues to be, a key factor—and challenge—in successful efforts. It is critical to determine how to most effectively empower Latino students and their families to navigate the complex financial aid system in a community context. A robust data collection system is needed to quantify a community’s needs, verify what works, and translate best efforts into best results. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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

Madeline Pumariega is President of Miami Dade College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Miami Dade College Madeline Pumariega President Institution website: https://www.mdc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.mdc.edu/president/madeline-pumariega/ Madeline Pumariega is President of Miami Dade College and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 Miami Dade College (MDC) consists of eight campuses and multiple outreach centers in Miami-Dade County in Florida. MDC serves a percentage of Hispanic students that is slightly higher than the 70% of Hispanic residents that reside in the county— enrolling 74,937 credit-seeking students, 77% of whom are Hispanic. MDC students are 58% first-generation college students, 68% identified as low-income, 63% attend college part-time, and 73% work while attending college.