Dorian Díaz serves as Director of Data & Knowledge Management of Excelencia in Education. < Back to Our People Page Dorian Díaz Director of Data & Knowledge Management Excelencia in Education Email: ddiaz@edexcelencia.org Past Experiences: Dorian has dedicated more than 15 years to education and intends to make that a lifelong commitment. Prior to joining Excelencia , he worked in higher education helping students participate in high impact practices outside of the traditional classroom experience. In addition to his higher education work, Dorian has non-profit experience from his time with LNESC, where he focused on educational and leadership opportunities for K-12 Latino students. Dorian also served in the Peace Corps, providing community economic development working with women’s groups on business start-up strategies and teaching English in El Abanico, Costa Rica. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Excelencia’s mission of accelerating Latino student success resonated with me given my desire to ensure that Latino, and all, students’ success is constantly being pushed to the front of the agenda of higher education institutions. I remember navigating higher education as a first-generation college student; it was quite daunting. Add in the fact that the majority of faculty, staff, and students didn’t look like me, it made for a difficult and confusing journey. The experience shouldn’t have to be like this, which is why I’m passionate about the cause and believe in the Excelencia way. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Each day is a rewarding experience. Working with like-minded individuals, who are passionate about Latino student success and always striving to improve, makes working at Excelencia such a welcoming environment.

Jessica Marie Arguello serves as the Network Activation Manager of Excelencia in Education. < Back to Our People Page Jessica Marie Arguello Network Activation Manager Excelencia in Education Email: jarguello@edexcelencia.org Past Experiences: After receiving my undergraduate degree in Social Work (April 2010) from Florida International University, I served as a Research Assistant from 2012-2017 and gained experience in higher education. I then joined the School of Social Work as their Senior Program Coordinator for the Office of Field Education, while obtaining my graduate degree in Higher Education Administration (August 2021). My skills in higher education and social work were guided by professors and mentors that continue to challenge my journey as a life-long student. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I brought my talent and skills to Excelencia in Education, because of my passion for discovering evidence-based practices that transform and accelerate Latino students in higher education. I relate to this organization as a Latina and life-long student of higher education and my goal is to empower others that are motivated to work in this field in transforming the country towards equity and inclusion. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia in Education, feels aspirational on a daily basis. Our organization is working with institutions on a national platform to highlight the success of the transformational journey these institutions are paving. To work with leaders committed and dedicated to the growth of their Latino students is the greatest motivation to continue the mission, vision, and goals of Excelencia in Education.

Matt Cuozzo serves as Interim Chief Program & Innovation Officer of Excelencia in Education. < Back to Our People Page Matt Cuozzo Interim Chief Program & Innovation Officer Excelencia in Education Email: mcuozzo@EdExcelencia.org Past Experiences: I began my career as a college success program coach serving low-income and first-generation students. This led me to pursue a graduate degree in Higher Education, where I studied the systemic barriers and opportunities for equity in higher education. During that time, I interned for Excelencia , contributing to our work on College Completion through a Latino Lens. Most recently I worked at a community college implementing models of academic support, peer mentorship, engagement, and personal growth for 650+ students yearly, both dual enrollment high school students and college scholarship recipients. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I am committed to a future that prioritizes and recognizes the strengths of Black and Brown students. While I have significant experience serving students directly, I have the opportunity in my current role to contribute to a broader awareness and help build coalitions in ways that empower Latino students and communities. In everything I do, I try to help advance racial equity on a national scale. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Excelencia ’s power is its people. We know that the community we serve always comes first. Whether we’re collaborating to develop an innovative approach to help institutions transform, or whether we’re playing lotería during a team holiday party, we uplift, challenge, and inspire one other.

Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital Communications Manager of Excelencia in Education. Guadalupe manages Excelencia's digital communications, including the website, presence in social media platforms, as well as online campaigns. < Back to Our People Page Guadalupe Acosta Digital Communications Manager Excelencia in Education Email: gacosta@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital Communications Manager of Excelencia in Education, managing Excelencia ’s digital communications, including the website, presence in social media platforms, as well as online campaigns. Past Experiences: Guadalupe comes to Excelencia with over 4 years of digital and print marketing experience that included work in the public transportation sector bringing awareness to the many benefits of public services. Guadalupe received her B.S. in Paralegal Studies and Spanish and a minor in General Business from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a first-generation high school and university Latina graduate, I know the importance of organizations like Excelencia and the level of impact it can have on Latino student success in higher education. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am, professionally, if it wasn’t for key organizations, programs, and mentors that helped me along the way navigate the education system and overcome the constant challenges. Personally, I couldn’t think of a better service than playing a part in helping accelerate Latino student success in higher education to grow the talent for America’s future workforce and civil society. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia has been the highlight of my professional career. The level of passion and commitment for a common cause is seen everyday with everything that is done, no matter the role and how big or small the task is. I am proud to be part of a very talented team where we all work as one.

Excelencia in Education certified these colleges and universities for intentionally SERVING Latino students and for demonstrating positive student outcomes. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions represented less than 1% of colleges/universities yet enrolled 15% of Latino and 7% of all students, and graduated 17% of Latino and 7% of all students. LEARN MORE Seal of Excelencia Certified Institutions The 45 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia are identifying opportunities to innovate and building momentum on campus for continuous improvement in student success. Together, they model the transformation higher education needs to ensure access to excellence for Latino, and all, students — and strengthen our nation’s civic leadership and workforce. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institutions Institutions that earn the Seal of Excelencia began the journey to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students before certification and have successfully demonstrated institution-wide investment in continuous improvement in student success by aligning data, practice, and leadership. Institution Name Certified State California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt 2025-2028 California California State University-East Bay 2024-2027 California California State University-Long Beach 2023-2026 California California State University-Los Angeles 2023-2026 California California State University-Northridge 2023-2026 California Page 1 of 1 Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institutions Institutions that pursue Seal recertification after their first three-year certification concludes show sustained progress by advancing strategies, strengthening practices, and setting measurable goals that deepen their positive impact on Latino, and all, student success. Institution Name Recertified State California State University-Fresno 2024-2027 California California State University-Fullerton 2024-2027 California California State University-Sacramento 2023-2026 California City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College 2024-2027 Illinois Long Beach City College 2023-2026 California Page 1 of 1 Intentionally Thriving Institutions Intentionally Thriving Institutions continue their journey of more than six years and demonstrate positive impact beyond the educational pathway by investing in strategies and practices that prepare Latino, and all, students for success after graduation and connect them to the workforce. Institution Name Intentionally Thriving State Arizona State University 2025-2028 Arizona Austin Community College District 2025-2028 Texas California State University-Channel Islands 2025-2028 California Florida International University 2025-2028 Florida Grand Valley State University 2025-2028 Michigan Page 1 of 1 These trendsetting colleges and universities are leading transformation by ensuring students receive a quality education of value, using the Seal of Excelencia framework as a model that measures both outcomes and intentionality. This approach holds institutions accountable for continuous improvement, recognizes long-term progress, and requires deep, data-informed commitments that demonstrate institutions are evolving from just enrolling to intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. Are you ready to join this community of trendsetting institutions transforming higher education? BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

During the annual Examples of Excelencia review, Excelencia recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made a positive impact on the success of their Latino students and are growing evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. Programs to Watch During the annual Examples of Excelencia review, Excelencia recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made a positive impact on the success of Latino, and all, students and are growing evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. By bringing attention to these programs, we encourage institutions, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to keep an eye out as they continue to grow. 2026 This year, Excelencia recognizes innovative Programs to Watch from colleges, universities, and organizations across the country for their growing impact on Latino, and all, student success. These programs demonstrate evidence-based approaches that expand educational opportunity and improve Latino, and all, student outcomes in the areas of Career & Workforce, Student Support, Teaching & Learning, and AI Innovation. These Programs to Watch advance Latino, and all, student success through culturally responsive practices, workforce preparation, academic and transfer pathways, family and community engagement, faculty and institutional development, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Through intentional, evidence-based practices, these programs demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for Latino, and all, students while continuing to strengthen their data collection and evaluation efforts to further demonstrate their impact. Excelencia invites you to explore the 2026 Programs to Watch and discover how these innovative initiatives are helping institutions better serve Latino students while creating stronger outcomes for all learners. Learn about the 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists and their efforts to increase student success. CAREER & WORKFORCE: Advanced Manufacturing | Austin Community College District (TX) Institution/Organization: Austin Community College District Location: Austin, TX Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus : Adult Learners, Other, Workforce Training Year Started: 2022 Website: https://dmcat.austincc.edu/advanced-manufacturing/ Overview: The Advanced Manufacturing program expands educational access by providing flexible pathways for working adults to earn industry-recognized credentials and prepare for high-demand careers. Committed to serving students from all backgrounds, with a strong focus on the growing Latino community, the program equips graduates with the skills needed for successful employment while strengthening the local workforce and supporting regional economic growth. TEACHING & LEARNING: Family and Education, the Future of a Nation | AVE Frontera (TX) Institution/Organization: AVE Frontera Location: Weslaco, TX Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus : Faculty Development, Family Engagement Year Started: 2022 Website: https://www.avefrontera.org/ Overview: The Family-Centered STEM Education Program transforms undergraduate STEM learning by engaging families as active partners in student success. Through community engagement, authentic dialogue, and culturally responsive practices, the program strengthens student belonging, retention, and academic achievement, particularly among Latino, first-generation, and low-income students. By preparing faculty, expanding family engagement, and creating inclusive learning environments, the program supports student success, workforce readiness, and stronger connections between families, higher education, and the community. STUDENT SUPPORT: Dual Degree Program | Governors State University (IL) Institution/Organization: Governors State University Location: University Park, IL Area of Impact: Transfer Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship Year Started: 2011 Website: https://www.govst.edu/ddp/ Overview: The Dual Degree Program (DDP) creates a seamless pathway for transfer students from Illinois community colleges by providing academic, financial, and personal support from the associate degree through bachelor's degree completion. With a focus on first-generation, Pell-eligible, and underserved students, including the growing Latino community, the program helps students stay on track, minimize debt, and achieve their educational goals through proactive advising, clear degree pathways, and financial support. Hispanic Student College Institute | Montclair State University (NJ) Institution/Organization: Montclair State University Location: Montclair, NJ Area of Impact: Access Program Focus: College Prep, Mentoring Year Started: 2007 Website: https://www.montclair.edu/hispanic-initiatives/hispanic-student-college-institute-hsci/ Overview: The Hispanic Student College Institute (HSCI) prepares high-achieving, historically underserved students, especially those from Latino communities, for college success through academic, cultural, and family-centered support. By promoting college readiness, increasing access to higher education, and providing mentorship and guidance, HSCI empowers students to navigate the college journey with confidence while fostering long-term academic success and family engagement. AI INNOVATION: Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation | Long Beach City College (CA) Institution/Organization: Long Beach City College Location: Long Beach, CA Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Workforce/Discipline Year Started: 2025 Overview: Long Beach City College's Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation program prepares Latino and all students to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Through accessible, workforce-aligned courses and hands-on learning, students build technical and ethical AI competencies while exploring real-world applications of emerging technologies. As one of California's first community college AI programs, it expands access to AI education, supports career readiness, and creates pathways to continued learning through the proposed Associate in Science in Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation. Inclusive AI Framework for Instructional and Service Program Review and Planning | Coastline College (CA) Institution/Organization: Coastline College Location: Fountain Valley, CA Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Faculty Development, Institutional Effectiveness and Equity-Minded Planning Year Started: 2023 Overview: The Inclusive AI Framework empowers faculty, classified professionals, and managers to use institutional data in more meaningful, accessible, and actionable ways. By combining artificial intelligence with an equity-focused, Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) lens, the framework supports evidence-informed decision-making, identifies opportunity gaps, and strengthens program review and planning. Designed to promote reflection and continuous improvement, it helps advance culturally responsive strategies that improve outcomes for Latino and all students. Miami Dade College AI Clinics | Miami Dade College(FL) Institution/Organization: Miami Dade College Location: Miami, FL Area of Impact: Access Program Focus: Adult Learners & Faculty Development Year Started : 2022 Website : https://ce.mdc.edu/contentManagement.do?method=load&code=CM000075 Overview: The Miami Dade College AI Clinics provide accessible, hands-on AI training for working professionals and small business owners, with a focus on expanding opportunities for Latino learners and other underserved communities. As the nation's first Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Regional Hub for AI education, MDC equips participants with practical AI skills that enhance productivity, support business innovation, and strengthen workforce readiness. Through short-term, applied learning and industry-recognized credential pathways, the clinics help participants build the knowledge and confidence to succeed in the AI-driven economy.

To reinforce institutional capacity to better serve, Excelencia has created the Ladder of Engagement which is a system of technical assistance comprised of support, tools, resources, and expertise. Institutional Capacity Building Excelencia in Education helps colleges and universities embed student-centered data-driven continuous improvement cycles into their strategies and practices to demonstrate measurable outcomes and prove their positive student impact to funders, accreditors, and the communities they serve. To support and reinforce institutional capacity to more intentionally serve all students, Excelencia’s capacity building programming meets institutions where they are in their transformation and supports their journey to build sustainable, campus-wide habits of accountability. Build sustainable, campus-wide habits of continuous improvement. LEARN MORE Excelencia leverages more than 20 years of experience listening to, learning from, and working with colleges and universities in transforming their campuses into places where Latino, and all, students thrive. In this community of practice, Excelencia offers curated content and peer support to institutions in their journey to more intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. 2026 Excelencia's C apacity Building Programming To build and support institutional capacity, Excelencia offers institutional teams institutes in the Seal of Excelencia framework areas of data, practice, and leadership as well as key policy areas: Data Institute: Strengthen your team’s capacity to analyze, interpret, and leverage data to drive institutional data-based decisions and actions. Evidence-Based Practices Institute: Builds your team’s capacity to assess impact and document intentionality of your efforts for data-driven accountability and continuous improvement Alignment Institute : Offers a cohort-driven and interactive engagement to align institutional data, evidence-based practices, and leadership strategies to increase student success. Post-Completion Institute : Engages institutional teams in developing, implementing, and measuring support systems for the post-completion success of Latino, and all, students. Additional information and registration links for each institute can be found here . Institutes A student-centered self-assessment tool for institutions to evaluate who they serve, don't serve, and aim to serve. It identifies strengths, challenges, and opportunities for greater intentionality by examining data, leadership, and practices linked to success for Latino and all students. Three facilitated cohorts to choose from. A SSITA Intake form and additional information for each can be found here . SSITA (Seal Serving Institutional Transformation Assessment) What Works Workshops Finding What Works: Exploring Your Campus for Impactful Programs - A workshop series to support your institution's journey in identifying programs serving Latino, and all, students and exploring their impact. Sharing Excellence: A Workshop to Craft Stories of Impactful Programs – A workshop series that offers higher education leaders a writing lab experience to craft a narrative of your program efforts grounded in intentionality and evidence. Additional information and registration links for each institute can be found here . Webinars 2026 Examples of Excelencia Submission Webinar - During this one-hour virtual session, the Institutional Programs team will provide an overview of the submission process, including the changes for 2026. 2026 Seal of Excelencia Certification Application Webinar - Webinar provides an overview of the 2026 application process, key dates and resources available. It will also feature 2025 Seal certified institutions who will share their experiences and recommendations. Virtual on March 30. Register here . Expand Your Knowledge with Excelencia What will institutional teams experience at Excelencia’s capacity building events and activities? Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities offer interactive, content-rich sessions by subject matter specialists, policy makers, researchers, leaders in higher education, and representatives from Seal of Excelencia certified institutions and Examples of Excelencia programs to build momentum and increase capacity to become spaces where all students thrive. What is Excelencia’s approach to help institutions examine their data, practices, and leadership strategies? As a trusted and respected convener, Excelencia creates environments built on confianza for institutional teams to engage in asset-based discussions on data, evidence-based practices, leadership strategies, and policy with a student-centered lens to identify institutional strengths and opportunities. How does Excelencia facilitate sharing and learning among peer institutions as they build capacity to increase student success? Excelencia’s Capacity building activities offer opportunities to engage and network with other institutions as cohorts to build communities of common cause and practice sharing experiences, strategies, practices, strengths, and opportunities. What will institutions gain (walk away with) after engaging in Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities? Excelencia offers dedicated time and space for institutional teams to reflect, discuss, and develop tactical action plans for campus-wide implementation using Excelencia’s robust tools to examine their own data, practices, and leadership strategies. What support do institutions receive after engaging in Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities? Excelencia's team remains a resource for all institutions that engage in capacity building and seek further opportunities to increase their student success. For those attending institutes, Excelencia offers opportunities to continue learning and sharing with peer institutions through facilitated engagement at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up sessions after each institute. For more information or for any questions, please email our team at InstCapacity@EdExcelencia.org . LEARN MORE

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

For 20 years, Excelencia has conducted and released its annual analysis that provides insight on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging HSIs (eHSIs), and HSIs with Graduate Programs (gHSIs). Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) For over 20 years, Excelencia in Education has conducted and released its annual analysis that provides insight on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging HSIs (eHSIs), and HSIs with Graduate Programs (gHSIs). Excelencia in Education leadership has worked with, studied, and learned from institutions meeting the HSI criteria over the years. Along the way, Excelencia : developed a methodology for creating a list of HSIs; created and popularized the category of Emerging Hispanic-Serving institutions (eHSIs); added the development of lists for Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate programs (gHSIs); produced analysis, lists, and briefs to better understand Latino, and all, student success; and, engaged communities of HSIs committed to more intentionally serve their students. 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 Expand Your Knowledge about HSIs with Excelencia What are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and how have they evolved? Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) first received federal funding in 1995–three years after being initially included in the Higher Education Act. HSIs are defined in federal legislation as accredited, degree-granting public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25% or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. Since the organization’s founding, Excelencia in Education has released its annual analysis on this critical group of institutions enrolling and graduating Latino and other post-traditional students. In 2024-25, there were 631 HSIs, located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These institutions represent 21% of all colleges and universities, yet enroll 65% of Latino, and 32% of all, undergraduates. What is the purpose of HSIs? The classification of HSIs was formally recognized in federal legislation for capacity-building support to improve academic quality and access to excellence at institutions with a high concentration of Latino students. While HSIs, by definition, have student bodies that are at least 25% Hispanic, they serve students of various backgrounds. How are HSIs funded? Institutions are not guaranteed any funding because they meet HSI enrollment criteria. Rather, they are eligible for competitive grants and must demonstrate the quality and merit of their work. Federal funding earned through competitive HSI grants does not require use exclusively or specifically for Hispanic students. It may be used to serve all students. In 30 years, only about one-third of institutions that meet the enrollment definition of HSIs have received funding under Title V. What have we learned about HSIs from Excelencia ? Excelencia in Education’s first publication in 2004 was “Latino Student Success at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.” And we have continued examining HSIs and their role in Latino, and all, student success in higher education ever since to frame issues, contexts, understanding and opportunities. For example, we created the emerging HSI indicator in 2009 based on our analysis of concentrated enrollment and institutional effort for intentionally serving Latinos amongst all. What data can researchers access to do their own research on HSIs? Excelencia in Education is making three datasets available over the years of HSIs, Emerging HSIs, and HSIs with Graduate programs for researchers to conduct their own analysis for a nominal fee. Learn More Where are HSIs located now and and how has this evolved? Excelencia's interactive StoryMap provides an interactive set of story maps that visualize the representation of HSIs by growth, sector, and geography. Explore Our StoryMap What are Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions? Excelencia in Education created the term "Emerging HSIs" as a way to track institutions on their way to becoming an HSI. Emerging HSIs are defined as public or not-for-profit degree granting institutions with 15-24.9% Latino undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment. Learn More What are Hispanic-Serving Institutions with Graduate Programs? Of the 631 Hispanic-Serving Institutions in 2024-25, 276 offer graduate degrees (184 offer doctoral degrees as the highest degree, 70 offer master’s degrees, and 22 offer a post-master’s certificate). Learn More All HSIs Resources Since the organization’s founding, Excelencia has released its annual analysis on this critical group of institutions enrolling and graduating Latino, and all, students, including research on: The latest list of HSIs, Emerging HSIs, and HSIs with Graduate Programs Excelencia’s methodology for creating a list of HSIs The 2024-25 data on HSIs in Excelencia’s HSI interactive dashboard The evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap Scroll by using the arrows below to navigate through all research available.

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

Since 2004, Excelencia has been the national leader in developing strategic research guided by the experiences and realities of today's Latino and other post-traditional students to inform action by community and institutional leaders and policy makers that facilitates institutional change. Research and Policy Since 2004, Excelencia has been the national leader in developing strategic research guided by the experiences and realities of today's Latino and other post-traditional students to inform action by community and institutional leaders and policy makers that facilitates institutional change for student success in higher education. Excelencia uses a Latino lens to bring to the forefront what we know about Latino student success, what works to improve it, and what decision makers can do. Excelencia in Education’s Policy Priorities: 2025 Now is a pivotal moment for our country, our students, and our institutions of higher education. Higher education remains a key driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social mobility. For Latino students—and all students—to achieve economic prosperity, institutional, state, and federal policies must center on their realities: their needs, educational pathways, and contributions to the country’s workforce and economy. Excelencia’s policy agenda advocates for accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success to close gaps in degree attainment based on the current profile of Latinos in higher education. Four policy issues were continually raised among leading institutions committed to supporting Latino, and all, student success: 1) workforce , 2) institutional capacity , 3) college affordability , and 4) retention and transfer. Learn More LEARN MORE Workforce Learn More LEARN MORE College Affordability Learn More LEARN MORE Institutional Capacity Learn More LEARN MORE Retention and Transfer LEARN MORE Applying a Latino lens to higher education policy and practice Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues using a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino, and all, student success from across the Excelencia network. READ MORE How does Excelencia in Education approach policy to accelerate Latino student success? Excelencia believes that good policy is informed by good practice. The ability to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students at scale requires knowing what works to accelerate Latino student while increasing all student success in a contemporary way with the most up-to-date Latino student profile. Research Library Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education while increasing all student success by promoting Latino student achievement and informing educational policies with a Latino lens. Since the organization’s founding, Excelencia has been the leading information source on Latinos in higher education, making our research and policy priorities available for the public to inform and compel action on Latino enrollment, completion, and workforce nationally. Find information on Latinos and education pathways, financial aid, institutional practices, student success, workforce, HSI related research, and more. Refine your search of Excelencia’s research by using the filters on the right. Excelencia’s Policy Agenda September 2026 Excelencia’s policy agenda advocates for accelerating Latino student success to close gaps in degree attainment based on the current profile of Latinos in higher education. Four policy issues were continually raised among leading institutions committed to supporting Latino student success: 1) workforce, 2) institutional capacity, 3) college affordability, and 4) retention and transfer. Read More Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Workforce September 2026 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. Read More Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Institutional Capacity September 2026 Institutions serving a growing share of Latino students also serve students from many backgrounds and situations, and supporting the institution will increase the educational and economic success for all learners and their communities. To deliver excellent education, institutions must invest in programs and policies that enhance student access, completion, and workforce readiness. Read More Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: College Affordability September 2026 Latino students leverage cost-saving measures to make college more affordable (e.g., working while enrolled, enrolling part-time, mixing their enrollment, etc.), and they balance many financial decisions when pursuing a college education–supporting their families, covering transportation costs, and weighing the opportunity cost of lost wages. Read More Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Retention and Transfer September 2026 Latino students fit a post-traditional learner profile and are more likely to take multiple paths through higher education, often balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities. Students’ decisions to pause or change institutions are typically driven by life circumstances, not academic ability. Read More REFINE YOUR SEARCH Filter by Issue Area Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce Filter by Collections Compilation Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions Finding Your Workforce Hispanic-Serving Institutions Latino College Completion Policy Puerto Rico What Works Filter by Content Type Fact Sheet HSIs Dashboard Infographic Publication StoryMap on HSIs 1 2 3 ... 16 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ... 16

Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues uses a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino student success from across the Excelencia network. Excelencia's Perspectives < Return to the Research and Policy Page Applying a Latino lens to higher education policy and practice Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues using a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino, and all, student success from across the Excelencia network. For more insight into Latino student success trends in higher education, visit Excelencia’s Medium page. Excelencia's Medium post highlights trendsetting institutions that are taking responsibility for graduates' long-term educational and career success — and the high-impact practices they're implementing to do so. By embedding career-aligned learning experiences throughout Latino, and all, students' journeys, colleges and universities that have earned the Intentionally Thriving Institution certification through the Seal of Excelencia framework are ensuring students graduate with meaningful skills, professional experience, and confidence in their next steps. From Classroom to Career: Embedding Workforce Readiness into Academic Pathways By: Alexia Carrillo Villalobos, Emily Labandera, & Deborah A. Santiago, Excelencia in Education Read Now | May 28, 2026 · 5 min read HSIs play a critical role in providing access to a quality education for Latino, and all, students and meeting our national need for a highly educated citizenry and workforce. After canceling $229 million in HSI funding in 2025, the current administration is contradicting that role by signaling its intent to redistribute funds Congress appropriated for HSIs in 2026 — making it harder for them to compete for the resources they need. Read Excelencia Co-founder and CEO Deborah Santiago's analysis on the current state of HSI funding. Title V: Developing HSIs Funding in 2026 By: Deborah A. Santiago, CEO, Excelencia in Education Read Now | April 28, 2026 · 7 min read With colleges and universities at the center of national conversations about what economic mobility and prosperity look like for our country, Excelencia is bringing together higher education leaders of institutions delivering positive impact for students, families, and communities for our new series on Medium, Voces y Excelencia: Leadership in Action. Read our kick-off piece and stay tuned for additional pieces to hear from Leaders at institutions in our E-Action network. Voces y Excelencia : Leadership in Action By: Excelencia in Education Read Now | Jan 26, 2026 · 3 min read In recent weeks, we’ve seen the current administration refuse to defend and, later, seek to end funding for Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) grant programs, arguing that they are racially discriminatory. Read Excelencia's latest case for HSIs and learn more about how these programs constitute a strategic, competitive, capacity-building investment in institutions that disproportionately educate America’s fastest-growing student population and why supporting them is a strategic investment in our democracy. The Case for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Opportunity Meeting Talent By: Deborah A. Santiago, CEO, Excelencia in Education Read Now | Sep 15, 2025 · 4 min read America’s Economic Future: Latinos and the Institutions that Serve Them By: Lily Cuellarsola, Excelencia in Education Latinos, one of the fastest-growing and youngest U.S. demographics, are uniquely positioned to shape America’s future. This post explores Latinos’ rapid population growth, rising college enrollment, the challenges of the demographic cliff, and strategies to invest in their success amongst all served to meet workforce needs and secure our nation’s economic future. Read Now | Jan 8, 2025 · 7 min read Latino Students are Key to Our Nation’s Prosperity By: Lily Cuellarsola & Cassandra Arroyo, Excelencia in Education Accelerating Latino degree attainment while all groups increase is key to our nation’s prosperity. Latinos, now making up about one in five Americans, represent the growing majority of college students today and face unique circumstances that institutions must address to support their success. This analysis explores the Latino student profile, how they pay for college, their degree attainment, their workforce participation, and the institutions uniquely positioned to serve them. Read Now | Jun 5, 2024 · 8 min read Funding America’s Future: Larger Endowments Could Help HSIs Further Accelerate Latino Student Success By: Sami R. Nour, Excelencia in Education Endowments are important resources that provide institutions with opportunities to invest in students and programs. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are less likely to have an endowment compared to other colleges and universities. For HSIs that do have an endowment, their funds tend to be smaller than those at other institutions. Our new analysis explores endowments at HSIs and what it means for investing in students. Read Now | Jun 13, 2023 · 9 min read The number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) is increasing again. By: Deborah Santiago, Emily Labandera, & Sami R. Nour, Excelencia in Education This year, 571 colleges and universities meet the enrollment definition of a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) — up from 559 last year, when the number decreased for the first time in two decades due to enrollment declines, institutional closings, and consolidation brought on by the pandemic. Our new analysis explores how and why the number of HSIs is growing again. Read Now | Mar 30, 2023 · 6 min read Beyond an HSI Designation: Exploring Strategic Practices for Grant Participation By: Cassandra Arroyo & Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education The competitive nature of HSI federal funding has increased the importance for HSIs to plan effectively for grant competitions and utilize funds sustainably. This analysis explores strategic practices from six HSIs for participating in Title V grant competitions and moving beyond an HSI designation to intentionally serve Latino and other low-income students. Read Now | Mar 23, 2023 · 6 min read Resilience: Surviving, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding in Times of Trouble By: Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Acting President Inter American University of Puerto Rico Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Acting President of Inter American University of Puerto Rico, shares his definition of institutional resilience and lessons that U.S. mainland institutions can learn from Puerto Rican universities when it comes to surviving, stabilizing, and rebuilding in times of trouble in the wake of Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Fiona, an unprecedented series of earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Now | Mar 21, 2023 · 6 min read Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico By: Sami R. Nour, Deborah Santiago, Emily Labandera, & Cassandra Arroyo, Excelencia in Education This new analysis examines the island’s universities as accelerators of economic mobility for Latino students and their communities, demonstrating how Puerto Rican institutions offer a better return on investment in higher education for low-income students than can be achieved almost anywhere else in the U.S. Read Now | Mar 2, 2023 · 9 min read