< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Recognizes Programs Delivering Positive Outcomes for Latino, and All, Students in Higher Education Aug 5, 2026 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE 11 Programs Named 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists for Their Student-Centered Approaches Facilitating Access to Excellence and Expanding Opportunity WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 5, 2026) – Excelencia in Education announced today the finalists for the 2026 Examples of Excelencia , recognizing 11 evidence-based programs across the country that demonstrate intentionality, innovation, and positive impact in facilitating access to excellence for Latino, and all, students in higher education. Examples of Excelencia is the only national effort recognizing programs with evidence of improving Latino, and all, student success in higher education. Through Examples, Excelencia has reviewed more than 2,500 program submissions, recognized more than 400 for their proven impact, and raised over $2.2 million to support programs since 2005. Latinos are representative of the post-traditional student majority in college today. They are more likely to be low-income, first-generation college-goers, work while enrolled, and navigate affordability challenges. This year’s finalists demonstrate what is possible when institutions and community-based organizations intentionally invest in evidence-based practices that address changing student needs and workforce demands. They expand opportunity, promote persistence and completion, and create pathways to economic mobility through student-centered, culturally responsive approaches that include experiential learning, mentorship, alumni engagement, holistic services, and connecting students to meaningful career opportunities. “ Excelencia identifies and promotes programs at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement to grow what works for Latino, and all, students,” said Adriana Rodriguez, Excelencia in Education Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Institutional Programs. “The 2026 finalists demonstrate how intentional, asset-based practices strengthen institutions and produce positive results for students, families, and communities. We celebrate their impact and invite others to learn from and apply these proven approaches.” Finalists join Excelencia’s Community of Practice for What Works, a national cadre of leaders from over 120 programs previously recognized through Examples. Programs in this community are committed to sharing evidence-based practices, learning from one another, and scaling what works for Latino, and all, students across higher education. On October 26, Excelencia will announce the 2026 Examples of Excelencia , bringing national attention to three of the 11 finalists. Programs will be recognized at Celebración de Excelencia , part of Excelencia's invitational Fall Convening in Washington, D.C. The event brings together leaders in higher education, business, philanthropy, and government committed to advancing excellence for Latino, and all, students and investing in talent for our nation's future. Additionally, Excelencia recognized seven Programs to Watch for promising efforts already making a positive impact on student success as they continue to build their evidence of effectiveness. This includes three programs from community colleges whose intentional use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve student success illustrates the transformative potential of AI in higher education. The 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists are: Career and Workforce Blue Chip Leadership Experience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ Nursing BSN Bridge, San Antonio College, San Antonio, TX Spanish for Global Health and Human Services, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX Teaching and Learning The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX Student Experience Project Faculty Community of Practice, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX Student Support College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI), Portland Community College, Portland, OR College Success Program, Latino Education Advancement Foundation, San Jose, CA Early College, Cerritos Community College District, Cerritos, CA G-Force Work-Study Mentorship Program (TWU Go Program), Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX Honors Living-Learning Community, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ SOAR: Summer Orientation and Registration, Aurora University, Aurora, IL The 2026 Programs to Watch are: Career & Workforce Advanced Manufacturing, Austin Community College District, Austin, TX Student Support Dual Degree Program, Governors State University, University Park, IL Hispanic Student College Institute, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ Teaching & Learning Family and Education, the Future of a Nation, AVE Frontera, Weslaco, TX AI Innovation Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation, Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA Inclusive AI Framework for Instructional and Service Program Review and Planning, Coastline College, Fountain Valley, CA Miami Dade College AI Clinics, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL Learn more about the 2026 finalists for the Examples of Excelencia : EdExcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/examples-excelencia-finalists 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

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Recognizes Programs Increasing Access to Excellence in Higher Education Aug 6, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Twelve Programs Earn Recognition as Examples of Excelencia Finalists for Evidence-Based Practices Making a Positive Impact on Student Success WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 6, 2025) – Excelencia in Education announced today the finalists for the 2025 Examples of Excelencia , recognizing 12 programs that demonstrate intentionality and impact in improving Latino, and all, student success in higher education. Examples of Excelencia is 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 2005, Excelencia has reviewed over 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their proven impact, and raised and awarded more than $2.2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the nation. Latinos represent a post-traditional student body, often navigating multiple paths through higher education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. This year’s finalists exemplify an intentional commitment to advancing Latino and other post-traditional students in higher education, offering evidence-based practices that can inform and guide student-centered efforts. These programs expand access to a quality college education by strengthening student transition and retention through innovative, sustainable, culturally responsive efforts. These practices include bridge programs, counseling and advising services, engaging families through bilingual outreach, and targeted mentoring and coaching that prepare students to graduate workforce-ready. “ Excelencia promotes what works for Latino, and all, students nationally because of our commitment to excellence in higher education that results in student success,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “The programs recognized as finalists this year are meeting the moment and ensuring access to quality education. We celebrate their efforts and encourage others to learn what is making a positive difference for students.” This year’s finalists were recognized from submissions representing 13 states and the District of Columbia, and they span four levels: associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations. Programmatic details about the finalists will be featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the nation's only online and searchable database designed for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others seeking evidence-based practices that improve opportunities and outcomes for Latino, and all, students in higher education. On September 29, Excelencia will announce the 2025 Examples of Excelencia , bringing national attention to the four programs that have earned this recognition among the 12 finalists. Programs will be recognized at Celebración de Excelencia , which is part of Excelencia ’s multi-day, invitational Fall Convening in Washington, D.C. The event is the meeting place for leaders from colleges, universities, evidence-based programs, philanthropy, policy, and business sharing a common cause to promote excellence and cultivate talent for America’s future workforce and civic leadership. Additionally, Excelencia in Education has recognized two Programs to Watch for their promising efforts already making a positive impact on student success as they continue to build their evidence of effectiveness. The 2025 Examples of Excelencia finalists are: ASSOCIATE LEVEL: GM ASEP, Cerritos College, Norwalk, CA College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI), Portland Community College, Portland, OR BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Algebra Recitation Program, Aurora University, Aurora, IL ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA GRADUATE LEVEL: Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative, University of Illinois, Chicago, Chicago, IL LAWtina, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ The Bridge-to-Math-Doctorate Program, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS: Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity through Education & Career Pathways, Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), Mercedes, TX CREAR Futuros, Hispanic Federation, New York City, NY College Success Program, Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF), San Jose, CA Signature Family Engagement Program (SFEP), Parent Institute for Quality Education, National City, CA Hermanitas and College Success Programs, MANA de San Diego, San Diego, CA The 2025 Examples of Excelencia Programs to Watch are: Dual Language Liberal Arts Transfer Degree Pathway (DL LAT), North Shore Community College, Lynn, MA Arizona Strategic Success Network, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ Learn more about the 2025 finalists for the Examples of Excelencia : EdExcelencia.org/what-works-examples-excelencia/examples-excelencia-finalists 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

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 Hawaii, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Hawaii 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) 37% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 59% Of White adults Fast Facts Hawaii had the 39th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 17% K-12 Population 10% Total Population Enrollment 20% Latino Students 24% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 45 White Median Income $36,747 Without a college degree $63,106 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Hawaii. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Hawaii. 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 Hawaii at Manoa Public, 4-year or above 14,306 2,005 14% 3,049 353 12% 2 Hawaii Pacific University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 2,502 564 23% 532 76 14% 3 Leeward Community College Public, 2-year 3,382 558 16% 841 141 17% 4 Kapiolani Community College Public, 2-year 3,955 467 12% 613 65 11% 5 University of Hawaii-West Oahu Public, 4-year or above 2,510 383 15% 630 79 13% 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.

Taylor Eighmy is President of The University of Texas at San Antonio and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page The University of Texas at San Antonio Taylor Eighmy President Institution website: https://www.utsa.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.utsa.edu/president/biography/ Taylor Eighmy is President of The University of Texas at San Antonio and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2023-2026 The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a Hispanic serving research university that serves nearly 30,000 undergraduate students, 61% of whom are Latino. UTSA is committed to becoming a Hispanic thriving institution, supporting the San Antonio community through: the enhancement of an educated workforce; the application of knowledge to solve societal grand challenges; the development of new innovations, businesses and social programs; and the preparation of the next generation of Hispanic leaders.

Andreia Nebel is President of Clarkson College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Clarkson College Andreia Nebel President Institution website: https://www.clarksoncollege.edu/ Bio Page: https://directory.clarksoncollege.edu/Andreia-Nebel Andreia Nebel is President of Clarkson College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Indiana, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Indiana Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 28% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 41% Of White adults Fast Facts Indiana had the 21st largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 13% K-12 Population 9% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 19% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 41 White Median Income $36,458 Without a college degree $60,556 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 6%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Indiana. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 11%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Indiana. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 Purdue University Global Public, 4-year or above 31,502 5,072 16% 7,077 1,036 15% 2 Indiana University-Bloomington Public, 4-year or above 36,571 3,076 8% 7,456 527 7% 3 Purdue University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 39,637 2,898 7% 8,494 478 6% 4 Indiana University-Indianapolis Public, 4-year or above 16,582 2,335 14% 4,282 445 10% 5 Ivy Tech Community College Public, 2-year 54,926 2,331 4% 8,303 332 4% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Jesse M. Bernal is President of Western Connecticut State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Western Connecticut State University Jesse M. Bernal President Institution website: https://www.wcsu.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.wcsu.edu/president/president-bernals-biography/ Jesse M. Bernal is President of Western Connecticut State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Hubert Benitez is President of Saint Peter's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Saint Peter's University Hubert Benitez President Institution website: https://www.saintpeters.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.saintpeters.edu/president/presidents-biography/ Hubert Benitez is President of Saint Peter's University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Valerie Sheares Ashby is President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Maryland, Baltimore County Valerie Sheares Ashby President Institution website: https://umbc.edu/ Bio Page: https://umbc.edu/leadership/president/ Valerie Sheares Ashby is President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in New York, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - New York 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) 32% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 57% Of White adults Fast Facts New York had the 4th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 25% K-12 Population 20% Total Population Enrollment 22% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 34 Latinos 44 White Median Income $35,239 Without a college degree $71,186 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in New York. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 17%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in New York. 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 CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College Public, 2-year 16,850 7,648 45% 3,399 1,409 41% 2 CUNY Lehman College Public, 4-year or above 10,438 5,930 57% 2,490 1,395 56% 3 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice Public, 4-year or above 11,340 5,798 51% 3,188 1,501 47% 4 Suffolk County Community College Public, 2-year 14,134 5,670 40% 2,755 850 31% 5 CUNY Hunter College Public, 4-year or above 16,642 5,317 32% 3,252 907 28% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Missouri, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Missouri 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) 33% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 43% Of White adults Fast Facts Missouri had the 31st largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 8% K-12 Population 5% Total Population Enrollment 20% Latino Students 19% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 41 White Median Income $34,599 Without a college degree $59,047 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Missouri. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 7%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Missouri. 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 Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City Public, 2-year 10,412 1,562 15% 1,791 226 13% 2 University of Missouri-Columbia Public, 4-year or above 23,118 1,327 6% 5,944 307 5% 3 Park University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 5,250 1,228 23% 1,527 349 23% 4 University of Missouri-Kansas City Public, 4-year or above 6,618 1,071 16% 1,634 186 11% 5 Washington University in St Louis Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 7,897 992 13% 1,881 182 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.

With 20 years of experience listening to and learning from higher education leaders and practitioners, Excelencia continues to link research, policy, and practice with active collaborations through our network to increase the college-educated Latino talent that will strengthen our country’s civic leadership and workforce. Marking Two Decades of Impact Excelencia in Education started shaping the national agenda to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education 20 years ago with our first publication, “Latino Student Success at Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Findings from a Demonstration Project .” Since then, we have built upon and leveraged the insights from this project to support hundreds of colleges and universities to assess and progress their efforts to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Today, with 20 years of experience listening to and learning from higher education leaders and practitioners, we continue to link research, policy, and practice with active collaborations through our network to increase the college-educated Latino talent that will strengthen our country’s civic leadership and workforce. EXPLORE OUR TIMELINE Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary As a Latina-founded and -led organization, Excelencia in Education marked two decades of service to our mission with a 20th Anniversary Cena attended by partners from across the country — a special evening of celebration and shared commitment to accelerating Latino student success. Leaders in higher education, business, philanthropy, and government joined Excelencia co-founders, Board members, and staff for this celebratory cena in the nation’s capital. We celebrated what we’ve accomplished together and renewed our commitment to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education going forward. Experience the celebration in photos below. Continuing Our Common Cause Excelencia recognizes our funders and contributors who believed in our mission and vision during our first 20 years and share in the success of our impact. Focused on even greater impact, we have launched the Excelencia Futuro Fund, a concerted campaign to advance the Seal of Excelencia and efforts to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Join us in shaping the future by investing in our work. Together, we will continue to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success and ensure America’s bright future. CONTRIBUTE NOW