From Washington, D.C., to Texas, to California, Excelencia in Education’s team collaborates with leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and government to ensure Latino, and all, students are served with intentionality and impact. Our People From Washington, D.C., to Texas, to California, Excelencia in Education’s team collaborates with leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and government to ensure Latino, and all, students are served with intentionality and impact. Click on the tabs below to explore. Excelencia Leadership Excelencia Staff Board of Directors Sarita E. Brown President Excelencia in Education Deborah A. Santiago Chief Executive Officer Excelencia in Education Guadalupe Acosta Digital Manager Lily Cuellarsola Senior Research Manager Dorian Díaz Director of Technical Assistance Honee Herrera Gil Institutional Capacity Manager Dianey Leal Strategic Partnerships Manager Noé Ortiz Senior Manager, Program Operations Josué Romualdo Community of Practice Manager Melva Yanes Finance Manager Jessica Marie Arguello Institutional Engagement Coordinator Matt Cuozzo Chief of Staff Olivia Glad Institutional Programs Senior Coordinator Anna Israel Development Coordinator Madelyn Lucas Policy Analyst Alexis Padilla-Torres Institutional Engagement Manager Iris E. Sanchez Senior Manager of Institutional Engagement Alexia Carrillo Villalobos Policy & Research Analyst Elizabeth Davis Director of Finance Jennifer Gomez-Chavez Vice President for Institutional Engagement Emily Labandera Director of Research Joey Marin Executive Assistant & Board Liaison Eyra Pérez Vice President of Institutional Capacity Val Tovar Evidence-Based Practices Manager Cassy Castañón Technical Assistance Manager JP Deering Communications Manager Karla Hernandez DeCuir Director of Institutional Engagement Jessica Leach Grants Manager Cindy Mendiola-Perez Director of Institutional Capacity Adriana Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Institutional Programs Iris Yan Research Analyst Massey Villarreal Chair Chief Executive Officer & President Precision Task Group, Inc. Sarita E. Brown Board Member President Excelencia in Education Havidán Rodríguez Board Member President University at Albany - State University of New York Elizabeth Béjar Vice Chair Provost, Executive Vice President, and COO Florida International University Andrés Henríquez Board Member Director of STEM Education Strategy, US Division Education Development Center, Inc. Cynthia Teniente-Matson Board Member President San José State University Carlos E. Santiago Past Chair Commissioner Emeritus Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) Verónica Herrero Board Member Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. Secretary/Treasurer Former Chief Advocacy Officer Ascension Texas Jane Oates Board Member Senior Policy Advisor WorkingNation Employment Opportunities Join Excelencia’s Team Excelencia in Education’s team is expanding to serve our mission of accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success, to close postsecondary attainment gaps and advance our families, communities, and nation. Find current opportunities to join our team below. Current Opportunities This page will be updated as opportunities become available. Senior Director of Development : Excelencia is seeking its first Senior Director of Development to formalize and scale a successful founder-led fundraising operation into a durable, organization-wide function. In this role, you will partner closely with founding leadership to strengthen development infrastructure, establish systems and processes, and ensure knowledge transfer and continuity. You will steward existing foundation and corporate funder relationships while expanding the funding base, support proposal development and reporting, and manage donor communications and stewardship. The Senior Director of Development will lead a small development team of two and work closely with colleagues across the organization, with access to engaged leadership and shared institutional knowledge. DOWNLOAD DESCRIPTION

Sign up for updates on our latest releases and events. Excelencia will not share your contact information with third parties. Contact Us Stay Informed Sign up for updates on our latest releases and events. Excelencia will not share your contact information with third parties. SIGN UP NOW Commonly Requested Contacts Below is a list of the most commonly requested contacts for Excelencia information. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact: Contact@EdExcelencia.org Ask about nominating a program for Examples of Excelencia – Examples@EdExcelencia.org Request an interview with an Excelencia expert – Media@EdExcelencia.org Join Excelencia’s national network of higher education leaders – E-Action@EdExcelencia.org See what it takes to earn the Seal of Excelencia – Seal@EdExcelencia.org Inquire about one of our Capacity Building Institutes – InstCapacity@EdExcelencia.org

Excelencia in Education began as a Latina-led organization with Co-founders Sarita Brown and Deborah Santiago. In 2004, they launched Excelencia with the belief that it is both crucial and possible for the U.S. to accelerate Latino student success in higher education through an intentional, strategic effort. Our Story Excelencia’s History and Evolution Excelencia in Education began as a Latina-led organization with Co-founders Sarita Brown and Deborah Santiago. In 2004, they launched Excelencia with the belief that it is both crucial and possible for the U.S. to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education through an intentional, strategic effort. Since our founding, Excelencia has grown in size and influence, as well as leveraged our role as a national leader, trusted source of information, and advocate for evidence-based practices to support Latino students’ achievement amongst all served. We continue to create opportunities to examine critical issues in postsecondary education from new perspectives and reconsider traditional efforts in a post-traditional context to the benefit of all students. Our story is one of commitment, persistence, credibility, and collaborative action for positive results on behalf of Latino, and all, students to ensure America’s future. 20 Years of Serving Our Mission In 2024, Excelencia marked 20 years of service to our mission — accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success, to close postsecondary attainment gaps and advance our families, communities, and nation. See how we have shaped the national agenda for student-centered institutional transformation over the last two decades. LEARN MORE Excelencia’s Tree of Life Created by national award-winning artist Verónica Castillo Salas, Excelencia’s Tree of Life symbolizes how the commitment of our co-founders seeded the growth of a national organization that cultivates Latino, and all, student success. EXPERIENCE OUR HISTORY

Excelencia's institutes, workshops, and convenings provide forums for sharing knowledge on effective strategies for Latino student success. Our events engage leadership from multiple sectors to focus on Latino students as essential to America’s human capital growth. Events This section will be updated as events information and opportunities to engage with Excelencia are available. Sharing Excellence: A Workshop to Craft Stories of Impactful Programs 3 virtual sessions | March 10, 11, and 12 @ 1-3pm ET 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. Registration is open to all, with priority for institutions in the E-Action network. REGISTER HERE Finding What Works: Exploring Your Campus for Impactful Programs 2 virtual sessions | April 21 and 28 @ 1-3pm ET A workshop series to support your institution's journey in identifying programs serving Latino, and all, students and exploring their impact. Registration is open to all, with priority for institutions in the E-Action network. REGISTER HERE 2026 Seal of Excelencia Certification Application Webinar Virtual webinar | March 30 @ 2-4pm ET Webinar provides an overview of the 2026 application and review processes, key dates, and support and resources available. It will also offer an opportunity to hear from 2025 Seal of Excelencia certified institutions. Virtual on March 30. REGISTER HERE SSITA - Spring Cohort 2 virtual sessions | April 22 and May 27 @ 2-4pm ET | Application deadline: March 18 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. REGISTER HERE Evidence-Based Practices Institute 3 virtual modules | June 9, 16, and 23 @ 1-5pm ET | Application deadline: May 6 Builds your team’s capacity to assess impact and document intentionality of your efforts for data-driven accountability and continuous improvement. All institutes have limited space so it’s essential to apply early. LEARN MORE & APPLY Data Institute 3 virtual modules | July 14, 21, and 28 @ 1-5pm ET | Application deadline: June 10 Strengthen your team’s capacity to analyze, interpret, and leverage data to drive institutional data-based decisions and actions. All institutes have limited space so it’s essential to apply early. LEARN MORE & APPLY Post-Completion Institute 3 virtual modules | August 4, 11, and 18 @ 1-5pm ET | Application deadline: July 1 Engages institutional teams in developing, implementing, and measuring support systems for the post-completion success of Latino, and all, students. All institutes have limited space so it’s essential to apply early. LEARN MORE & APPLY Alignment Institute 3 virtual modules | September 15, 22, and 29 @ 1-5pm ET | Application deadline: September 9 Offers a cohort-driven and interactive engagement to align institutional data, evidence-based practices, and leadership strategies to increase student success. All institutes have limited space so it’s essential to apply early. LEARN MORE & APPLY SSITA - Fall Cohort 2 virtual sessions | October 14 and November 18 @ 2-4pm ET | Application deadline: September 9 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. REGISTER HERE Finding What Works: Exploring Your Campus for Impactful Programs 2 virtual sessions | October 15 and 22 @ 1-3pm ET A workshop series to support your institution's journey in identifying programs serving Latino, and all, students and exploring their impact. Registration is open to all, with priority for institutions in the E-Action network. REGISTER HERE

Latino, and all, students deserve an opportunity to thrive. For two decades, Excelencia in Education’s community of common cause has supported more Latino students to graduate and grown talent for our country’s civic leadership and workforce. Support Our Mission Building the Nation’s Human Capital Who will champion the success of Latino students — and all students — as essential to our nation’s future? We believe the answer is you. DONATE NOW For more than 20 years, Excelencia in Education has advanced excellence and Latino student success in higher education because the promise of our nation depends on developing the talent of Latino — and all — students. You share a deep and abiding faith in our community of common cause and in our collective capacity to significantly improve the success of Latino, and all, students. Together, we are ensuring more college graduates drive social and economic mobility in their communities and throughout the nation. Excelencia’s approach is deliberate, grounded in data, strengthened by leadership, and tested by practice. We work with college and university leaders who replicate what works and hold themselves accountable for advancing student success and producing outcomes for students, families, and communities. Excelencia unites leaders committed to transforming higher education to advance the human capital our country needs to thrive. The Futuro Fund is how individuals like you make this work possible. It is a direct investment in Excelencia’s long-term strategy to accelerate higher education success for Latino, and all, students. We invite you to give a gift to the Futuro Fund that is meaningful to you and make a long-term investment in America’s future. Be a guardian of possibility, a champion of talent, and a partner in ensuring that Latino student success — and the success of all students — fuels a stronger nation for generations to come. Scan the QR code above to make tax-deductible donations today! To stay connected and support Excelencia in Education, please sign up now. Our Funding Partners The following leaders make common cause with Excelencia by investing in our work to advance excellence and student success in higher education: Ascendium Education Group The Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation ECMC Foundation The Kresge Foundation Trellis Foundation HSF California State University, Northridge Bank of America Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Gates Foundation Lumina Foundation Strada Education Foundation Wells Fargo JPMorgan Chase Hector and Gloria López Foundation Donate With Confidence Excelencia is committed to transparency and demonstrating quality in our efforts, as evidenced by our Four-Star rating from independent evaluator Charity Navigator and our Seal of Transparency from Candid . Be confident that your donation will be used to its fullest potential.

Stay informed with the latest from Excelencia as we continue to apply a Latino lens to critical issues in higher education. NEWS Latest News Excelencia in Education analysis, efforts, and experts are featured in hundreds of media outlets every year, from NBC News, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Stay informed with the latest from Excelencia as we continue to apply a Latino lens to critical issues in higher education. Media Inquiries To cover Excelencia analysis and efforts, or to get in touch with one of our experts for an interview, please contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org March 17, 2026 New Analysis Shows Latino Talent Is Key to U.S. Global Competitiveness as AI Changes Workforce Needs Read More February 25, 2026 Leaders Join Excelencia’s Board and Expand Capacity to Advance National Talent Read More October 23, 2025 Colleges and Universities Recognized for Excellence in Serving Students, Growing Talent and Advancing Success Read More September 30, 2025 18 Colleges and Universities Taking Responsibility for Students’ Educational and Economic Success Earn the Seal of Excelencia Read More September 29, 2025 Excelencia in Education Announces the 2025 Examples of Excelencia Read More 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4 Communications Resources Referring to Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education’s name is intentionally bilingual, reflecting our commitment to Latino students amongst all, quality education, and the asset base available to the U.S. by supporting Latinos’ excellence in education. Please italicize “Excelencia ” in all references to the organization and relevant efforts (e.g., “Seal of Excelencia ”). Our Logo We trademarked Excelencia’s logo in 2024. Please access high-resolution versions of Excelencia’s logo by contacting: Media@EdExcelencia.org Our Boilerplate 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 Our Social Media Excelencia is active on the following social media platforms: LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/excelencia-in-education Facebook: Facebook.com/EdExcelencia Instagram: @excelencia_in_education Medium: ExcelenciainEducation.medium.com YouTube: ExcelenciaEducation X: @EdExcelencia Hashtags to follow: #LatinoStudentSuccess #StudentSuccess #ExcelenciaInAction #ExcelenciaInEducation #Excelencia #ExcelenciaSeal #GrowingExamples #HigherEd

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 established the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to better SERVE Latino students. Seal of Excelencia Trendsetting colleges and universities across the country are taking responsibility for transformation that ensures their students earn a quality education of value. Excelencia in Education created the Seal of Excelencia as a national certification that holds colleges and universities accountable for continuous improvement in student success before and beyond graduation — reinforcing higher education’s role as an engine of social mobility, economic vitality, and workforce development. The Seal of Excelencia recognizes and drives excellence at institutions with Latino students, knowing that an intentional, mission-driven investment that includes serving this population, ensures all of our students, communities, and country are served. " The Seal of Excelencia recognizes institutions that are lifting the students that they serve. Being an institution that serves Latino learners should do more than just serving — ensuring students have everything they need when they walk out those doors to improve their lives and the lives of their families for generations to come. That intentionality was missing before Excelencia introduced the Seal. " - Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President & CEO, College Futures Foundation Continuous, Student-Centered Improvement The Seal of Excelencia is a rigorous, student-centered, data-informed certification framework that requires colleges and universities to show momentum leading to continuous improvement in student outcomes. Institutions earn this standard of excellence through an intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and leadership, all resulting in student success. Is your institution ready to demonstrate intentionality and impact? The Seal of Excelencia Framework FIND OUT The Seal represents a voluntary journey of continuous improvement in student success — not a destination. Excelencia charted this journey based on 20 years of working with institutions and offers tools to assess readiness and build capacity along the way. There are 45 institutions that have earned the Seal, spanning three progressive levels of certification: Certified, Recertified, and Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs). Could your institution lead alongside these trendsetters? Institutions on the Seal Certification Journey JOIN THEM The Seal and Institutional Value The Seal helps colleges and universities move beyond isolated programs toward systemic change to intentionally serve all students. Seal certification is both a national standard of excellence and proof of positive student impact to funders, accreditors, and communities. Does Seal certification align with your institution’s vision? LOOK AHEAD Expand Your Knowledge with Excelencia How does the Seal of Excelencia uphold the value of higher education? The Seal framework reinforces four essential components of higher education value: 1) Ensuring all students succeed; 2) Supporting continuous improvement institution-wide; 3) Enhancing economic/social mobility; and 4) Demonstrating effective use of public funds. Institutions that earn the Seal articulate how they deliver this value for students, communities, and our country. Does the Seal of Excelencia apply only to institutions serving Latino students? The Seal framework combines data on the educational pathway for all students served — not Latinos alone — with evidence of impact from intentional practices and leadership commitment from strategic planning. For that reason, it applies to all institutions serving post-traditional students. Excelencia focuses on Latino students because they represent the post-traditional majority, and what works for them can also work for others. What distinguishes Seal of Excelencia certified institutions from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)? HSIs are defined as having 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic student full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment, and they constitute a critical set of colleges and universities expanding access to higher education. Through the Seal, Excelencia asserts the opportunity to go beyond enrollment and deconstruct the “S” in “HSI” to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. An institution does not need to be an HSI to earn the Seal. Is my institution ready to start the Seal of Excelencia certification journey? Institutions must join our community of practice and affiliate with the Excelencia in Action network to be eligible for Seal certification. Applicants will tell their story of intentionally serving Latino, and all, students through data, practice, and leadership. Institutions can assess their readiness for certification with our Seal Serving Institutional Transformation Assessment (SSITA) tool and capacity building opportunities. To learn more, contact us at: Seal@EdExcelencia.org. What makes Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs) stand out from other Seal of Excelencia certified institutions? ITIs have committed to the journey toward continuous improvement for more than six years, earning Seal recertification twice along the way. In addition to ensuring Latino, and all, students thrive on campus, ITIs demonstrate strong post-completion success outcomes — preparing and linking Latino, and all, students to the workforce and growing talent for America’s future.

Ryan Cornner is Superintendent/President of Glendale Community College, California, and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Glendale Community College, California Ryan Cornner Superintendent/President Institution website: https://www.glendale.edu/home Bio Page: https://www.glendale.edu/about-gcc/administration/superintendent-president Ryan Cornner is Superintendent/President of Glendale Community College, California, and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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 follow their continued growth and impact. Click here for additional evidence-based programs across the country. 2025 This year, Excelencia recognizes two Programs to Watch for their growing, positive impact on student success. The following programs are demonstrating strong promise in increasing positive outcomes for Latino, and all, students. Both initiatives create intentional pathways to persistence, degree completion, and career readiness by affirming students’ cultural and linguistic assets, providing wraparound academic and mentoring support, and cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Through leadership development, career preparation, and practices that meet students where they are, these programs are emerging as efforts with the potential to make a sustainable impact on students in higher education. Excelencia invites you to learn more about the 2025 Programs to Watch by exploring their profiles listed below. Learn about the 2025 Examples of Excelencia Finalists and their efforts to increase student success. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Dual Language Liberal Arts Transfer Degree Pathway (DL LAT) | North Shore Community College (MA) Institution/Organization: North Shore Community College State: Massachusetts Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL Year Started: 2022 Website: https://www.northshore.edu/academics/programs/lat/dual-language/index.html Overview: The Dual Language Liberal Arts Transfer (DL LAT) Pathway at North Shore Community College provides a rigorous academic experience that fosters bilingual proficiency, cultural competency, and specialized knowledge. Grounded in equity and social justice, the program supports Latino/a students in strengthening their English and Spanish skills while building a solid foundation in their chosen field. Over the last three years, Latino students in Dual Language sections (DL) averaged an 80.7% success rate, compared to 65.9% in non-DL sections. BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Arizona Strategic Success Network | University of Arizona (AZ) Institution/Organization: University of Arizona State: Arizona Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Gender Based, Mentoring Year Started: 2022 Overview: Arizona Strategic Success Network empowers and inspires the next generation of leaders by providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students to hone their leadership skills, discover their strengths, and make a positive impact in their communities. Key programmatic goals include increasing retention, persistence, and degree completion for men of color. Fall 2024 data show an 85% first-to-second-year retention rate for program participants, compared to 77% for non-participants. Latinx students specifically saw a 9-point increase in second-to-third year retention rates (85% vs. 76%).

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in Alabama. Latino College Completion - Alabama Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 25% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 39% Of White adults Fast Facts Alabama had the 34th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 8% K-12 Population 5% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 32% Latino Students 33% White Students Median Age 24 Latinos 43 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 58% Latino Students 68% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 1%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Alabama. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Alabama. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Alabama, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 The University of Alabama Public, 4-year or above 30,725 1,687 5% 2 Auburn University Public, 4-year or above 24,782 947 4% 3 University of Alabama at Birmingham Public, 4-year or above 13,284 889 7% 4 John C Calhoun State Community College Public, 2-year 6,795 575 8% 5 Troy University Public, 4-year or above 10,916 495 5% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Alabama, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 John C Calhoun State Community College Public, 2-year 1,368 79 6% 2 Snead State Community College Public, 2-year 408 75 18% 3 Northeast Alabama Community College Public, 2-year 429 57 13% 4 George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville Public, 2-year 975 51 5% 5 Columbia Southern University Private for-profit, 4-year or above 1,582 49 3% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Alabama, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 The University of Alabama Public, 4-year or above 7,278 364 5% 2 Auburn University Public, 4-year or above 5,641 192 3% 3 Columbia Southern University Private for-profit, 4-year or above 3,131 163 5% 4 University of Alabama at Birmingham Public, 4-year or above 2,870 131 5% 5 Troy University Public, 4-year or above 2,326 100 4% 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 Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth as AI and emerging technologies reshape work. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Executive Summary Ruyu (Iris) Yan; Lily Cuellarsola; Deborah A. Santiago March 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates changes across industries, the future of work will rely on an interdisciplinary workforce that pairs technical expertise with uniquely human capabilities like creativity and collaboration. Integrating the arts into STEM is essential for national competitiveness; however, Latinos remain significantly underrepresented in these high-wage, high-growth sectors. This executive summary highlights Latino participation in the STEAM education-to-workforce pipeline and actionable strategies for institutions and employers to close persistent gaps in access, completion, and workforce outcomes. For the research publication and lists of Top 25 institutions graduating Latinos in STEAM, visit: Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in STEAM Top 25 Institutions Awarding Degrees to Latinos in STEAM - Companion piece Suggested Citation: Yan, R., Cuellarsola, L., & Santiago, D. (2026). Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) - Executive Summary . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce