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

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 South Carolina, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - South Carolina 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) 27% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 48% Of White adults Fast Facts South Carolina had the 28th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 11% K-12 Population 7% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 22% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 44 White Median Income $33,385 Without a college degree $57,220 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 South Carolina. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 16%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in South Carolina. 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 Clemson University Public, 4-year or above 22,778 1,984 9% 5,311 347 7% 2 University of South Carolina-Columbia Public, 4-year or above 28,113 1,667 6% 6,529 359 5% 3 Greenville Technical College Public, 4-year or above 8,171 1,268 16% 1,201 49 4% 4 Trident Technical College Public, 2-year 11,091 1,048 9% 1,410 64 5% 5 College of Charleston Public, 4-year or above 10,366 731 7% 2,020 135 7% 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.

Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino student success in higher education. Examples of Excelencia Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino, and all, student success in higher education. These programs exemplify what is possible when leaders and practitioners intentionally serve students on their journey to and through college. Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2.2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the country. 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists Announced Meet the programs recognized as finalists for the 2026 Examples of Excelencia for their evidence-based practices increasing student success. LEARN MORE 2026 Programs to Watch Announced Excelencia recognizes seven Programs to Watch that have promising practices and are growing their evidence of effectiveness. LEARN MORE Explore our recognition process Discover how we leverage our access to a national platform to promote what works for Latino, and all, students LEARN MORE Get Ready to Submit for the 2027 Examples of Excelencia Access these resources and email us to receive invitations to future capacity-building opportunities. LEARN MORE Looking to connect with 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 . 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 Expand Your Knowledge about Examples of Excelencia What works to improve the success of Latino, and all, students in higher education? Examples of Excelencia is the only national data-driven effort to recognize programs at the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels with evidence of effectiveness in accelerating Latino student success, amongst all students. How can evidence-based programs increase student success? Excelencia seeks to broaden the scope of knowledge surrounding effective practices for Latino, and all, students and bring attention to the noteworthy work that may be overlooked by traditional best-practices models. Evidence-based practices use data and storytelling to show student success in ways unique to each program— demonstrating what intentionally serving Latino, and all, students looks like at institutions and community-based organizations across the country. How can I find programs having a positive impact on student success? Explore Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action - 2024 , a compilation of 35 programs recognized through Examples of Excelencia that emphasize cultural responsiveness and take asset-based approaches to intentionally SERVE Latinos and other post-traditional students across five key areas. Looking for more evidence-based programs? We can help! Contact us by email or complete this short form to connect with us. How does Excelencia find programs intentionally SERVING Latino, and all, students? Annually, Excelencia seeks out programs for Examples of Excelencia through a rigorous review of profile submissions that look at intentionality and positive impact in serving Latino, and all, students in higher education. The process launches with a national call for nominations and culminates in a public celebration of recognized programs at Celebración de Excelencia. To learn more about the process, visit our Examples of Excelencia submission portal . How do I get started with Examples of Excelencia ? Ready to share your program’s story with a national audience for the 2027 Examples of Excelencia ? Reach out to the Institutional Practices team today to learn more about capacity-building opportunities for practitioners.

Kristen Jones is Interim President of College of Lake County and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page College of Lake County Kristen Jones Interim President Institution website: https://www.clcillinois.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.clcillinois.edu/news-and-events/news/article/2026/04/13/college-of-lake-county-board-will-appoint-dr.-kristen-jones-as-interim-president Kristen Jones is Interim President of College of Lake County and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Anna Israel serves as Development Coordinator of Excelencia in Education. Andrianna supports the executive team in advancing fundraising efforts by researching potential funders and aligning their priorities with Excelencia’s portfolios. < Back to Our People Page Anna Israel Development Coordinator Excelencia in Education Email: aisrael@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As Development Coordinator, Anna supports the executive team in advancing fundraising efforts by researching potential funders and aligning their priorities with Excelencia’s portfolios. She prepares briefing materials, tracks funder engagement, and coordinates input from senior leadership. Anna also collaborates with internal teams to drive portfolio goals and streamline processes for greater efficiency in fund development. Past Experiences: Anna has extensive experience in nonprofit development and fundraising, including conducting prospect research, managing fundraising campaigns, and overseeing fundraising operations. She has supported nonprofits with grant research and writing, as well as public relations and social media management. Anna earned a bachelor’s in communications with a focus on public relations from Purdue University Northwest. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a first-generation student and graduate of an HSI, Excelencia’s mission resonates deeply with me. I understand firsthand the transformative power of higher education in providing opportunities for professional growth and economic mobility. I also recognize the importance of being in a learning environment that genuinely supports students and sets them up for success. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to using my skills and experience to help nonprofits serve and advocate for Black and Latino communities. Working at Excelencia allows me to extend that impact on a national scale. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? From the founders to every staff member, there is a powerful echo of passion, professionalism, innovation, and resilience. It’s both an honor and an inspiration to work alongside individuals who consistently uphold such a high standard of excellence.

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 Oklahoma, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Oklahoma 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) 22% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 40% Of White adults Fast Facts Oklahoma had the 25th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 19% K-12 Population 13% Total Population Enrollment 15% Latino Students 20% White Students Median Age 24 Latinos 42 White Median Income $33,109 Without a college degree $55,393 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 Oklahoma. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 11%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma-Norman Campus Public, 4-year or above 21,496 3,055 14% 4,464 526 12% 2 Oklahoma City Community College Public, 2-year 9,578 2,257 24% 1,593 259 16% 3 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 20,814 2,016 10% 4,790 382 8% 4 Tulsa Community College Public, 2-year 11,397 1,844 16% 2,600 312 12% 5 University of Central Oklahoma Public, 4-year or above 10,132 1,547 15% 2,265 304 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.