< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Provides Roadmap for Higher Education Institutions and Employers to Advance Latino Talent and Meet U.S. Workforce Needs Feb 28, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE New Analysis Identifies Top 25 Colleges and Universities Conferring Credentials to Latinos and Preparing Them for Today’s Global Economy WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 28, 2024) – A new brief from Excelencia in Education calls on employers to meet U.S. workforce needs through strategic partnerships with colleges and universities that demonstrably increase the number of Latino college graduates and more intentionally prepare Latino talent for today’s global economy. The brief, “ Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy ,” shows Latinos have the highest labor force participation, with 66% of those 16 years and older in the labor force, and demonstrates they will account for 91% of new workers — the largest number of any group — and one in five workers overall by 2031. However, Latinos are the most likely to be employed in manual labor occupations and earn the lowest salary compared to other groups. Only 33% of Latinos in the labor force in 2021 had earned an associate degree or higher, compared to 69% of Asians, 55% of Whites, and 45% of African Americans. Against this backdrop, “Finding Your Workforce” identifies the top 25 institutions where Latinos earned credentials across academic levels in 2019-20. This analysis identifies the colleges and universities producing nationally significant numbers of Latino graduates overall, as well as in key disciplines relevant to today’s job market. This specific information provides opportunities for employers to engage college-educated Latino talent and learn from practices effectively linking these graduates to the workforce. They include 104 unique institutions across 14 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This group represents 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities but graduated almost 25% of Latinos in 2019-20. “The future is built on the talent in our workforce. Ignorance is no excuse for inaction. This report provides clear information on where Latinos are earning degrees and the strategies institutions implement to intentionally serve their students to prepare for civic leadership and the workforce,” said Deborah Santiago, Co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “Our new analysis empowers institutions and employers to align their efforts to proactively engage and recruit Latino graduates where they are.” For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. This series represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. The majority (83%) of top institutions conferring credentials to Latino students at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and first professional levels are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across seven states and Puerto Rico. In addition, 21 have earned the Seal of Excelencia , a national certification for institutions that go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students. The top institutions awarding credentials at each level are: NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate) Miami Dade College in Florida (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional and Doctorate) The brief goes on to highlight replicable strategies to increase Latino degree attainment and career success from the top institutions awarding postsecondary credentials to Latinos. It also calls on employers to establish common cause with institutions by aligning their goals to serve diverse communities with effective recruitment practices. Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school , including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. "Florida International University recognizes students and their families invest in a college education to prepare for a lifetime,” said Elizabeth Béjar, Provost, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Florida International University. “We are proud that Excelencia’s analysis underscores FIU's positive impact on Hispanic/Latino students as we serve as their launchpad into today’s global economy and their future success." Excelencia brings the “Finding Your Workforce” series to the public with support from Bank of America, a national leader demonstrating its belief in the promise of Latino students to ensure America’s bright future. “Bank of America has a long history of promoting pathways to economic mobility and connecting individuals and communities to income creation and wealth building opportunities. Our support of Excelencia in Education is another demonstration of that longstanding commitment,” said Meghan Hughes, Bank of America Head of Workforce Development, Arts & Heritage. “Through this partnership and their revelatory studies, we will continue to help strengthen the capabilities of minority-serving institutions and work alongside other employers to create scalable and equitable strategies that bring meaningful change to the lives of Hispanic-Latino families for years to come.” This brief initiates a series that will provide lists of the top institutions graduating Latinos in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), health, and education, accompanied by examples of institutional efforts to improve Latinos’ college completion linked to these sectors. Excelencia in Education will also host a national webinar on March 6 to discuss the analysis and the potential for higher education, business, and philanthropy to engage Latino talent. Please learn more and register: bit.ly/FindingYourWorkforceLatinoTalent About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org About Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

José D. Padilla is President of the Valparaiso University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Valparaiso University José D. Padilla President Institution website: https://www.valpo.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.valpo.edu/president/president-jose-padilla/ José D. Padilla is President of the Valparaiso University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Berenecea Johnson Eanes is President of California State University-Los Angeles and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Los Angeles Berenecea Johnson Eanes President Institution website: https://www.calstatela.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.calstatela.edu/president/berenecea-johnson-eanes Berenecea Johnson Eanes is President of California State University-Los Angeles and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 California State University (CSU) Los Angeles, a Hispanic Serving Institution in East Los Angeles, serves approximately 27,000 students, 75% of whom are Latino, 55% first-generation college students, and 64% Pell Grant recipients. CSU Los Angeles is committed to the success of their Latino students and other students who have historically been underserved. Using data-informed and intentional strategies, CSU Los Angeles has closed the 4-year and 6-year graduation gap between Latino and other students.

Margaret M. McMenamin is President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Margaret M. McMenamin President Institution website: https://www.ucc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.ucc.edu/discover-union/presidents-biography/ Margaret M. McMenamin is President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Russell Lowery-Hart is Chancellor of Austin Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Austin Community College District Russell Lowery-Hart Chancellor Institution website: https://www.austincc.edu/ Bio Page: https://offices.austincc.edu/chancellor/biography/ R ussell Lowery-Hart is Chancellor of Austin Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 Austin Community College District (ACC) is a public two-year college serving the Austin, Texas region. ACC is one of the largest HSIs in the country and serving the fastest-growing demographic in the Central Texas region, where education is a key lever for economic and social mobility.

Janine Davidson is President of Metropolitan State University of Denver and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Metropolitan State University of Denver Janine Davidson President Institution website: https://www.msudenver.edu/ Bio Page: https://msudenver.edu/president/biography/ Janine Davidson is President of Metropolitan State University of Denver and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is a public comprehensive university offering a relevant, rigorous and innovative education in the heart of downtown Denver. The university serves 17,000 students of all ages and backgrounds with more than 90 majors and 10 graduate programs. MSU Denver, the most diverse institution in the state, serves 15,682 undergraduates, of which 95% are from Colorado and 54% are students of color, including 36% Latinx.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Announces the 2025 Examples of Excelencia Sep 29, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Four Programs Earn National Recognition for Increasing Access to a Quality College Education WASHINGTON – Excelencia in Education announced today the 2025 Examples of Excelencia , recognizing four programs as national exemplars of evidence-based practices that improve student success in higher education. These programs demonstrate how student-centered approaches can expand opportunity, increase positive outcomes, and create effective pathways to economic mobility. Through Examples of Excelencia — the only national, data-driven effort to recognize programs with evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success amongst all served — Excelencia has reviewed more than 2,500 program submissions over the past 20 years, recognized more than 400 for their proven impact, and raised and awarded over $2.2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the nation. As the fastest-growing segment of the college-going population, Latino students embody a post-traditional experience, navigating multiple pathways through higher education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Ensuring their success advances higher education in ways that benefit all students. Programs such as those recognized in Examples are core to the institutional transformation that is needed to ensure colleges, universities, and communities are places where Latino and other post-traditional students can thrive. The 2025 Examples of Excelencia exemplify practices that build faculty pipelines, provide holistic supports that help students earn degrees and credentials, connect classroom learning to in-demand jobs, and offer research and mentorship experiences that foster persistence, completion, and career success. Together, these programs demonstrate the power of intentional design in facilitating access to excellence for all students. Spanning associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based levels, and reaching students in multiple regions, the 2025 Examples are proof of the good work and good people around the country committed to strengthening America’s workforce and civic leadership. The 2025 Examples of Excelencia are: General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) – Cerritos College, CA (Associate Level) ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program – California State University, Long Beach, CA (Baccalaureate Level) Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative – University of Illinois Chicago, IL (Graduate Level) Avanza RGV – Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), TX (Community-Based Organization Level) “When institutions are intentional about serving Latino students, they create conditions that strengthen opportunities for success for all students,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “The 2025 Examples of Excelencia are part of a growing network of common cause, increasing student success and modeling what works so others can learn from, replicate, and scale similar efforts.” The 2025 Examples of Excelencia will be announced in the afternoon of September 29 at Celebración de Excelencia , offered in cooperation with the Hispanic Congressional Caucus. This event is part of Excelencia’s annual, invitational Fall Convening, which brings together leaders from higher education institutions, philanthropy, policy, and business committed to promoting excellence and growing talent to ensure America’s future. Learn more about the 2025 Examples of Excelencia: EdExcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/annual-examples-excelencia 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

Noé Ortiz serves as Senior Manager, Program Operations of Excelencia in Education. Noé supports program efforts by coordinating the use of tools implemented by Excelencia’s program teams. < Back to Our People Page Noé Ortiz Senior Manager, Program Operations Excelencia in Education Email: nortiz@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: As the Senior Manager, Program Operations, Noé supports program efforts by coordinating the use of tools implemented by Excelencia’s program teams. He is responsible for the development and maintenance of reference manuals and training materials for users. Noé supports the management of user issues, vendor outreach, and data management for the software that supports program efforts. Past Experiences: Noé has over 25 years of experience in the field of financial aid and college preparation spanning every segment of higher education (four-year private/public institutions as well as community colleges) and educational consulting. Prior to joining Excelencia , his focus was on process improvement of higher education systems to ensure they work for students. As an advocate for access to higher education for low-income, underrepresented students, his passion was to demystify the college enrollment process through outreach efforts and by partnering with schools and community organizations. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I am a firm believer that education changes lives and future generations. I also believe that there are more talented students waiting to be discovered and nurtured, particularly in the Latino community, than are readily recognized by institutions. Many have been ready to do the work to serve these students. Excelencia is the change agent that is tapping into this energy to transform institutions to do this work. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? I love working at Excelencia because no matter how different our individual responsibilities may be, we are a team of highly talented and motivated individuals working towards one same common cause, to accelerate Latino student success. To a person, this is what drives us. It is refreshing to work for an organization where you don’t have to worry about convincing colleagues to support your efforts.

Justin Lonon is Chancellor of Dallas College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Dallas College Justin Lonon Chancellor Institution website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/pages/default.aspx Bio Page: https://www.dallascollege.edu/about/chancellor/pages/welcome.aspx Justin Lonon is Chancellor of Dallas College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Recognizes Programs Intentionally Serving Latino Students in Higher Education Aug 13, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Eighteen Programs Attain National Recognition as Examples of Excelencia Finalists for Evidence-Based Practices Making a Positive Impact on Latino Student Success WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 13, 2024) – In our 20th year of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, Excelencia in Education announced today the finalists for the 2024 Examples of Excelencia , recognizing 18 programs across the country that intentionally serve Latino students in higher education with culturally relevant and asset-based programming. 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. Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to programs making a positive difference for Latino students across the country. This year’s finalists demonstrate an intentional and aligned approach in supporting Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially. These efforts lead to improved retention and persistence rates as students work toward credit and degree completion. Practitioners and leaders can look to the 2024 Examples of Excelencia finalists as models of what is possible when you intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. “Participating in Examples of Excelencia allows practitioners to assess and share the impact of their program on Latino participants. Excelencia applauds this year’s finalists for ensuring their programming intentionally serves Latino students in comprehensive and asset-based ways to support them to and through college,” said Adriana Rodriguez, COO and vice president for institutional programs at Excelencia in Education. The 18 finalists were selected through a review of 103 program submissions representing higher education institutions and community-based organizations across 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in four categories: associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations. Programmatic details about the finalists will be featured online in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in evidence-based programming for Latino students. On September 30, Excelencia will announce four of the 18 finalists selected as the 2024 Examples of Excelencia at Celebración de Excelencia , the organization’s annual recognition event, in Washington, D.C. The event convenes practitioners, policymakers, and professionals who are setting the national agenda for Latino student success in higher education. This year, Excelencia in Education also recognizes 12 Programs to Watch from eight states. These programs were identified because of their promising efforts already making a positive impact on Latino student success while building their evidence of effectiveness. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia finalists are: ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Community Health Worker from the Richard J. Daley College and the Arturo Velasquez Institute – Chicago, IL English for Academic Purposes from Reading Area Community College – Reading, PA NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) from Cerritos College – Norwalk, CA Pathway to Law School from Santa Ana College – Santa Ana, CA The Village from Cerritos College – Norwalk, CA The Writing Center from Santa Barbara City College – Santa Barbara, CA BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Scholars Project from Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ Pedagogical Interest Groups (PIGs) from Indiana University Northwest – Gary, IN The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) from Washington State University – Pullman, WA Upward Bound from California State University, San Bernardino – San Bernardino, CA GRADUATE LEVEL: Master of Science in Higher Education (MSHE) from California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA Master of Arts in Multilingual and Multicultural Studies from Texas Woman’s University – Denton, TX Project upGRADS from California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS: College Bound / College Success from Foundation for a College Education – East Palo Alto, CA LEAF College Success Program from Latino Education Advancement Foundation – San Jose, CA Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed from The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. – Immokalee, FL Thrive Scholars 6-Year Program from Thrive Scholars – Los Angeles, CA Enhancing Career Pathways for Latinos in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) from Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) – Mercedes, TX Learn more about the 2024 finalists for the Examples of Excelencia : EdExcelencia.org/what-works-examples-excelencia/examples-excelencia-finalists About Excelencia in Education 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. In 2024, Excelencia marks 20 years of commitment to Latino student success. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

< Back to News Page 18 Colleges and Universities Taking Responsibility for Students’ Educational and Economic Success Earn the Seal of Excelencia Sep 30, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Institutions Earning the Seal of Excelencia Go Beyond Enrollment to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students, and Display a Level of Excellence WASHINGTON – Today, Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education, announced that 18 institutions have earned the Seal of Excelencia in 2025. These institutions are part of a group of nearly 50 colleges and universities that are taking responsibility for improving Latino, and all, student success. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions produce outsized impact on student outcomes — representing less than 1% of all colleges and universities in the U.S., yet enrolling 16% and graduating 18% of Latino students nationwide, as well as enrolling 7% and graduating 8% of all students. Institutions earn the Seal by going beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students, and by taking responsibility and accountability for providing access to excellence. The Seal framework aligns data, practice, and leadership to move institutions beyond isolated programs toward systemic change and investment providing institutional value to students, their families, and their communities. This year, Excelencia is introducing the Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) designation, that extends the impact beyond the educational pathway and recognizes positive impact in preparing students for, and connecting them to, the workforce. “Seal of Excelencia certified institutions are investing in transformation, ensuring access to excellence, and becoming places where Latino, and all, students thrive,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education. “These institutions have made demonstrable efforts to ensure students’ return on investment in a degree while cultivating talent that fuels our country’s future.” The Seal is a rigorous, data-driven certification, not an award or ranking. This year, five institutions have earned certification for the first time, five have earned recertification, and eight have earned Excelencia’s new ITI designation. “ Excelencia is proud to continue to catalyze and support colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia for their impact and intentional efforts to deliver on the promise of higher education for all students. Through our collaboration, we build talent for our country’s workforce and civic leadership,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education. The five newly certified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (CA) Dalton State College (GA) Rutgers University-Newark (NJ) San José State University (CA) University of Nevada, Las Vegas (NV) The five recertified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: Mercy University (NY) San Antonio College (TX) University at Albany (NY) University of California, Santa Cruz (CA) The University of Texas at Arlington (TX) The eight colleges and universities that are the first to earn the Intentionally Thriving Institution designation are: Arizona State University (AZ) Austin Community College District (TX) California State University Channel Islands (CA) Florida International University (FL) Grand Valley State University (MI) South Texas College (TX) The University of Texas at El Paso (TX) University of Arizona (AZ) Latinos are the only growing college student population and represent a post-traditional student body, often navigating multiple paths through higher education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. As more students fit this profile, piloted efforts that work for Latino students — like those being implemented at Seal institutions — can also serve other students. Learn more about institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia certification, recertification, and Intentionally Thriving Institution designation this year: EdExcelencia.org/seal/seal-excelencia-certified-institutions 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.

Roger W. Schultz is Superintendent/President of Mt. San Jacinto College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Mt. San Jacinto College Roger W. Schultz Superintendent/President Institution website: https://www.msjc.edu/ Bio Page: https://msjc.edu/presidentsoffice/ Roger W. Schultz is Superintendent/President of Mt. San Jacinto College and part of Excelencia in Action network.