Lamont O. Repollet is President of Kean University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Kean University Lamont O. Repollet President Institution website: https://www.kean.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.kean.edu/office-president Lamont O. Repollet is President of Kean University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Thomas M. Evans is President of the University of the Incarnate Word and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of the Incarnate Word Thomas M. Evans President Institution website: https://www.uiw.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.uiw.edu/president/bios/evansbio.html Thomas M. Evans is President of the University of the Incarnate Word and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Brian King is Chancellor of Los Rios Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Los Rios Community College District Brian King Chancellor Institution website: https://losrios.edu/ Bio Page: https://losrios.edu/about-los-rios/chancellor Brian King is Chancellor of Los Rios Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Josué Romualdo serves as Community of Practice Manager of Excelencia in Education. Josué works closely with practitioners across higher education institutions and community-based organizations to build relationships and strengthen a national community of practice that supports efforts to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. < Back to Our People Page Josué Romualdo Community of Practice Manager Excelencia in Education Email: jromualdo@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As Community of Practice Manager, I work closely with practitioners across higher education institutions and community-based organizations to build relationships and strengthen a national community of practice that supports efforts to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. I also manage the Growing What Works Database, a resource for practitioners, institutional leaders, funders, and policymakers interested in evidence-based practices that accelerate Latino student success in higher education. Past Experiences: My career has centered on advancing civic participation through efforts focused on voting access, information integrity, and community well-being. I’ve led impactful programs at national organizations, including the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the NALEO Educational Fund. In each role, I developed and managed initiatives that promoted informed voter engagement and supported diverse communities, leading several Latino-focused programs while serving all populations. Whether coordinating outreach campaigns, building coalitions, or responding to emerging challenges, my work has remained grounded in the values that emphasize the importance of promoting civic engagement. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? By joining Excelencia , I build on my experience to continue serving the Latino community, amongst all communities. I’m inspired by Excelencia’s commitment to using data-driven strategies and elevating key partnerships to support student achievement in higher education. This role aligns with my dedication to empower underserved communities through meaningful work and serving all populations. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? If I had to describe our work at Excelencia in one word, it would be dedication. Our staff, along with institutional leaders and program practitioners, are deeply committed to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. It is an honor to collaborate with individuals who share this unwavering dedication to ensuring access to excellence for each student

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 Indiana. Latino College Completion - Indiana 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) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 39% Of White adults Fast Facts Indiana had the 21st largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 12% K-12 Population 8% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 38% Latino Students 36% White Students Median Age 25 Latinos 41 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 58% Latino Students 67% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 2%-points higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Indiana. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Indiana. 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 Indiana, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Purdue University Global Public, 4-year or above 32,213 4,650 14% 2 Indiana University-Bloomington Public, 4-year or above 33,995 2,693 8% 3 Ivy Tech Community College Public, 2-year 51,522 2,440 5% 4 Purdue University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 37,658 2,355 6% 5 Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Public, 4-year or above 18,707 2,195 12% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Indiana, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Purdue University Global Public, 4-year or above 1,985 323 16% 2 Ivy Tech Community College Public, 2-year 8,664 322 4% 3 Vincennes University Public, 4-year or above 1,404 179 13% 4 Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 544 23 4% 5 International Business College-Indianapolis Private for-profit, 2-year 152 16 11% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Indiana, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Purdue University Global Public, 4-year or above 4,943 575 12% 2 Indiana University-Bloomington Public, 4-year or above 7,495 502 7% 3 Purdue University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 7,591 392 5% 4 Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Public, 4-year or above 4,427 334 8% 5 Purdue University Northwest Public, 4-year or above 1,624 323 20% 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.

< Back to News Page National Nonprofit Unveils Direct Impact Fund for Donors Committed to Latino, and All, Student Success Nationwide Dec 17, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education’s Futuro Fund will fuel investment in programming, partnerships, and research working to accelerate college completion goals for Latino, and all, students by 2030 WASHINGTON, D.C. ( December 17, 2024 ) – Excelencia in Education ( Excelencia ) , the nation’s leading organization focused on accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education, concludes its 20th year of service to its mission this month by announcing the Excelencia Futuro Fund . This new direct impact fund will facilitate investment and collaboration among donors committed to advancing Latino, and all, college enrollment, success, and graduation. “Anniversaries remind us of where we’ve been, but they are not destinations. The Futuro Fund marks a significant milestone in our organization’s history with action. We launch the Fund and continue advancing Latino student success with colleges and universities serving all their students,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We invite you to join us in supporting the institutions playing an outsized role in helping more Latino students thrive in college and graduate ready for the workforce and civic leadership. Simply put, this is about investing in what works.” The announcement of the Futuro Fund comes at a pivotal moment — and a shifting policy environment — for American higher education and Latino communities. Hispanic enrollment in higher education has more than doubled since 2008, reflecting the growing share of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. population. Yet there are many more Latino students who could enroll. For those who do, 44% of Latino college students are the first in their families to attend college . That statistic underscores the need to connect Latino students with institutions well-equipped to meet their needs and prepare them for the world of work. Since its founding in 2004, Excelencia has demonstrated a proven track record of identifying evidence-based practices and influencing policy to improve Latino student outcomes amongst all served. To accelerate this vital work, the Futuro Fund will mobilize support and investment around institutions in the Excelencia in Action network that are making significant strides toward the ambitious goal of enrolling and graduating 40% of all Latino undergraduates by 2030. The Fund will support greater impact by expanding at least 20 proven strategies that drive measurable improvements in Latino, and all, student outcomes. “For 20 years, Excelencia has proven itself an indispensable partner to countless college leaders, educators, and policymakers by transforming research into action, policy into impact, and mere conversation into institutional commitments,” said Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, president of the University at Albany, which welcomed a record number of first-year Latino students in 2024 . “The Fund will support the network of colleges and universities committed to providing learning environments where every Latino student can thrive — and inspire others to join us.” Contributions to the Fund also will provide resources and financial support to the more than 45 colleges and universities that have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia , a nationally recognized certification for institutions that go beyond enrolling Latino, and all, students by intentionally supporting their success. Using Excelencia’s framework, Seal-certified institutions outperform other institutions, HSIs and non-HSIs, in student success metrics such as retention and completion rates. “Making good on the promise of college and documenting return-on-investment to the nation through evidence-based outcomes for today’s Hispanic students is vital to the workforce of the future — and the civic and community leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Elizabeth Béjar, provost at Florida International University, a top 50 public research university, one of the nation’s strongest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia -certified university. “For those looking to make a positive, meaningful impact for Hispanic students, the Futuro Fund provides a platform for investing in advocacy, action, and research.” For more information on the Excelencia Futuro Fund and how to support this initiative, visit: EdExcelencia.org/about/donate 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

Vinicio J. López is President of Evergreen Valley College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Evergreen Valley College Vinicio J. López President Institution website: https://www.evc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.evc.edu/people/vinicio-lopez Vinicio J. López is President of Evergreen Valley College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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.

Marie Lynn Miranda is Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Illinois Chicago Marie Lynn Miranda Chancellor Institution website: https://www.uic.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.uic.edu/about/leadership/ Marie Lynn Miranda is Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2023-2026 University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a Hispanic serving research university that serves nearly 22,000 undergraduate students, 36% of whom are Latino. From 2015-2023, Latino students comprised over two-thirds (68%) of the institution’s enrollment growth. UIC enrolls and graduates the largest number of Latino students in Illinois.

Robert Garza is President of Palo Alto College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Palo Alto College Robert Garza President Institution website: https://www.alamo.edu/pac/ Bio Page: https://www.alamo.edu/pac/about-pac/leadership/office-of-the-president/ Robert Garza is President of Palo Alto College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Our Agenda for Reform makes policy recommendations to the federal student aid and work-study programs to improve college access and support retention and completion. < Back The Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery (RADD) Consortium for the Reform of Federal Student Aid Grants and Work-Study Excelencia in Education; Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP; College Board; Committee for Economic Development; National Urban League May 2015 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Over the last three decades, the cost of college has increased nearly four times faster than the median family income. Financial aid has not filled this growing gap, resulting in “unmet financial need.” These policy recommendations for redesigning the student aid system are designed to help all students afford and complete college. A five-member consortium comprised of Excelencia in Education, the Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success at CLASP, College Board, the Committee for Economic Development, and the National Urban League authored this brief, which was made possible through the support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Many of today’s college students fit a “post-traditional” student profile, in that they are independent, adults age 25 and older, parents, and work more than 20 hours per week. These students often face financial barriers to college access and completion as a result of their managing multiple roles and responsibilities. This brief uses guiding principles to recommend reforms to the federal student aid and work-study programs to increase post-traditional student success in higher education. These principles include: 1) increase economic opportunity for all students; 2) provide clear and transparent federal aid; 3) use evidence based practices to serve low-income, disadvantaged students; 4) ensure federal aid and a manageable amount of work and loans are adequate to complete postsecondary education for qualified students; 5) address all barriers to degree completion; and 6) hold institutions receiving federal funding accountable for keeping college affordable and strengthening student success. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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 Louisiana. Latino College Completion - Louisiana 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) 30% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 38% Of White adults Fast Facts Louisiana had the 31st largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 7% K-12 Population 6% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 25% Latino Students 35% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 41 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 50% Latino Students 60% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Louisiana. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Public, 4-year or above 26,455 2,180 8% 2 Delgado Community College Public, 2-year 11,287 1,211 11% 3 Tulane University of Louisiana Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 8,700 738 8% 4 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Public, 4-year or above 12,612 735 6% 5 Southeastern Louisiana University Public, 4-year or above 10,106 687 7% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Louisiana, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Delgado Community College Public, 2-year 1,176 115 10% 2 South Louisiana Community College Public, 2-year 697 32 5% 3 Baton Rouge Community College Public, 2-year 551 31 6% 4 Bossier Parish Community College Public, 2-year 479 24 5% 5 Northwestern State University of Louisiana Public, 4-year or above 365 21 6% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Louisiana, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Public, 4-year or above 4,568 306 7% 2 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Public, 4-year or above 2,796 179 6% 3 Tulane University of Louisiana Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 2,070 157 8% 4 University of New Orleans Public, 4-year or above 1,143 135 12% 5 Loyola University New Orleans Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 662 119 18% 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.