The compilation includes 35 evidence-based programs improving higher education success for Latino students with cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches. < Back Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action - 2024 Excelencia in Education April 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia has brought attention to noteworthy efforts that inspire and support educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to replicate and bring to scale evidence-based practices. Essential to this effort is Examples of Excelencia , the only national data-driven initiative to identify and promote programs that increase Latino student success amongst all served in higher education. This compilation identifies evidence-based programs at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latinos. These programs emphasize cultural responsiveness and take asset-based approaches to intentionally serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas. Engagement to Prepare Students and Families for College Given the degree attainment needed to ensure the country’s economic and civic future, there is an opportunity to expand and enhance the engagement of students and their families in the college going process. Through strategic partnerships, bilingual services, mentoring, and high touch outreach, the following programs ensure students and their families are informed and supported as they navigate opportunities for post-secondary education. Click the expand symbol to find out which programs have a focus in college preparation. Program Name: Center for Educational Partnerships Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Program Name: College Success Program - Hyde Square Task Force Institution/Organization: Hyde Square Task Force State: Massachusetts Program Name: Influence Student Potential and Increase Representation in Education (INSPIRE) Institution/Organization: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science State: Illinois Program Name: Latino Initiative Institution/Organization: Utah Valley University State: Utah Program Name: Latinx Leadership and College Experience Camp (LLCEC) Institution/Organization: Bluegrass Community and Technical College State: Kentucky Program Name: Latino U Scholars Institution/Organization: Latino U College Access (LUCA) State: New York Program Name: TuFuturo Institution/Organization: Community Education Coalition State: Indiana First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success I nstitutions have the opportunity to be proactive with first-year students to ensure they not only enroll but stay with them. Intentional, well-designed, first-year support programs can have a significant impact on students transitioning to college or university, particularly Latino students. The following programs demonstrate such impact through practices like summer bridge programs, financial support, and academic planning. By providing additional services such as individualized mentoring, career exploration, bilingual services, and leadership development these programs not only support but empower students to navigate the complexities of college life with confidence and a sense of belonging. Click the expand symbol to find out which programs have a focus in first year programming. Program Name: Connect4Success (C4S) Institution/Organization: Miami Dade College State: Florida Program Name: CSUN Bridge to the Future Scholars Program Institution/Organization: California State University, Northridge State: California Program Name: Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program Institution/Organization: County College of Morris State: New Jersey Program Name: Engage. Develop. Grow. Empower. (EDGE)/plEDGE Program Institution/Organization: College of the Desert State: California Program Name: Gaining Access ‘N Academic Success (GANAS) Institution/Organization: California State University, East Bay State: California Program Name: Learning Framework Course Institution/Organization: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley State: Texas Program Name: Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) Program Institution/Organization: Mercy University State: New York Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections Given Spanish is a local and global language the demand for Spanish speakers in multiple professions will continue to be a need. Bilingual students are uniquely positioned to have these needed language skills and the cultural contexts to better understand and serve others in their communities and in their future careers. The programs below leverage community partnerships, bicultural pedagogy, and experiential learning to support student academic and career success. Many of their alumni are becoming leaders and change agents in their professions. Click the expand symbol to find out which programs have a focus in bilingual programming. Program Name: Ánimo Latinx Counseling Emphasis Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Program Name: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Institution/Organization: Saint Augustine College State: Illinois Program Name: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College State: Pennsylvania Program Name: Latinx Leadership Initiative (LLI) Institution/Organization: Boston College, School of Social Work State: Massachusetts Program Name: Medical Spanish Minor Institution/Organization: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley State: Texas Program Name: PIONERAS (Professional Improvement through Optimization of Native-language Education and the Realization of Academic/familial Symbiosis) Institution/Organization: Texas Woman’s University State: Texas Program Name: Supera Spanish Speaking Program (SSP) Institution/Organization: Kean University State: New Jersey Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways The more institutions can provide experiences and partnerships beyond the classroom, then the more students can move directly into their career path, and into higher wages. Since most Latino students are working while attending college, these programs are intentional about career connections within their program of study. They use cohort groupings, mentorship, research opportunities, and employer connections to enhance their academic degree programs. Click left arrow to find out which programs have a focus in career/workforce. Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Health Science Institution/Organization: Rush University State: Illinois Program Name: Engineering Program at Wright College Institution/Organization: City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College State: Illinois Program Name: Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) Institution/Organization: Adams State University State: Colorado Program Name: Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IIR) Institution/Organization: University of Puerto Rico, Cayey State: Puerto Rico Program Name: M.S. in Environmental Science Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at San Antonio State: Texas Program Name: Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting Program Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State: Texas Program Name: Wood Technology Program Institution/Organization: Laney College State: California Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success Gender-based programming has emerged as a transformative approach to address and mitigate the disparities faced by students based on gender, particularly within underrepresented communities. These programs engage parents, provide tutoring, utilize cohort groupings, and build strong mentoring relationships. These programs below build confidence, inspire ambition, and illuminate the possibilities that lie ahead, particularly in fields where they have been historically marginalized. Click left arrow to find out which programs have a focus in Latina/Latino gender-based programming. Program Name: ¡Adelante Latina! Institution/Organization: ¡Adelante Latina! State: Maryland Program Name: Con Mi MADRE Institution/Organization: Con Mi MADRE State: Texas Program Name: Encuentros Leadership Preparatory Academy Institution/Organization: Encuentros Leadership State: California Program Name: Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program (HMDP) Institution/Organization: Arizona State University State: Arizona Program Name: Project Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success (MALES) Institution/Organization: University of Texas, Austin State: Texas Program Name: Mathematics Intensive Summer Session (MISS) Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Program Name: Sam Houston Establishing Leadership In and Through Education (SH ELITE) Institution/Organization: Sam Houston State University State: Texas Growing What Works: Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Let’s talk. 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 . “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024” benefited from the support and public leadership of 24 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia : Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief outlines evolving approaches and discussions to understand post-completion success for Latino students at seven Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back Beyond Completion: Post-Completion Efforts at Hispanic-Serving Institutions Gabriel Bermea July 2022 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Post-completion success for Latino students is a conscious campus-based conversation that is gaining traction and support in a growing number of institutions. As the nation continues to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, institutions intentionally focused on serving their students saw an opportunity to rethink their efforts to support Latino, and all, students beyond degree completion. As institutions continue to make progress on Latino enrollment and completion, Latino representation within the workforce is expected to increase by 3% every year. As a result of these changes, Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are expanding their scope of Latino student success and taking active steps to create learning experiences that promote workforce preparation and foster Latino post-completion success. Excelencia in Education collaborated with seven HSIs to examine post-completion success efforts. Austin Community College California State University-Fullerton Long Beach City College Texas State University University of Arizona University of Illinois Chicago Wilbur Wright College Excelencia in Education's latest brief summarizes efforts by this cohort of HSIs engaged in conscious campus-based conversations to rethink their post-completion success efforts. Findings These HSIs are progressing beyond completion to meet the needs of the nation’s economy and develop strategies and practices that more intentionally serve Latino degree completers. Excelencia identified three strengths that demonstrate the cohort’s efforts to advance post-completion success efforts with the intention to serve Latino completers. These institutions showed strengths in: Offering culturally relevant institutional practices accelerating Latino post-completion success while all groups increase. Providing custom measures and metrics to track post-completion success outcomes. Demonstrating progress in closing the equity gaps of post-completion success outcomes for Latino completers. Excelencia identified three main areas of growth that institutions considered in their post-completion success efforts. These institutions seek to: Deepen their knowledge of data collection efforts and align measures to track post-completion success in both the short and long term. Forge intentional connections with employers and industries looking to diversify their employment pool. Make the case to institutional leadership for intentionally serving completers at their institution. Suggested Citation: Bermea, G.O. (July 2022). Beyond Completion: Post-Completion Efforts at Hispanic-Serving Institutions . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia In Education. Latino College Completion: 2019-2020 While Latino enrollment decreased in 2020, we continue to see an increase in Latino college completion. This brief provides an overview of Latino college completion. LEARN MORE Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Pradeep K. Khosla is Chancellor of the University of California-San Diego and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of California-San Diego Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor Institution website: https://www.ucsd.edu/ Bio Page: https://chancellor.ucsd.edu/about/about-the-chancellor/index.html Pradeep K. Khosla is Chancellor of the University of California-San Diego and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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.

< Back to News Page Colleges and Universities Recognized for Excellence in Serving Students, Growing Talent and Advancing Success Oct 23, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Arizona institutions certified with prestigious Seal of Excelencia PHOENIX – Leaders from colleges and universities across Arizona convened last week to discuss “Advancing Student Success in Higher Education in AZ: Growing Talent for our Country’s Future,” organized by Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education. The Helios Education Foundation hosted this special event. The forum featured a dynamic panel moderated by Sarita E. Brown, co-founder and President of Excelencia in Education. Panelists included Kimberly Britt, President of Phoenix College; Marla Franco, Special Advisor for Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at the University of Arizona; and Nancy Gonzales, Provost at Arizona State University. Together, they shared how their institutions are intentionally and effectively serving Latino, and all, students, to advance academic achievement, build talent for the workforce, and strengthen communities across Arizona. Vince Yanez, Senior Vice President at Helios Foundation reflected on the transformational role higher education plays in Arizona, emphasizing the ways institutions are connecting education to opportunities for social and economic mobility for all students. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the vitality of these institutions, how their graduates’ education and training improve their career prospects and fuels social mobility, as well as their positive impact to the local and state economy. “Access to higher education is key to a thriving workforce and growing economy,” said Mayor Gallego. “I commend our universities, colleges, and organizations dedicated to education attainment for their tireless work to make that a reality for students. It’s a direct investment in the long-term prosperity of our state.” As today’s students navigate evolving needs and opportunities, Arizona’s higher education institutions are demonstrating that transformation is possible when data, practice, and leadership are aligned with intentionality. All three institutions represented on the panel have earned the Seal of Excelencia certification, demonstrating their systemic use of data, evidence-based strategies and results-oriented leadership aligned for greater success for students, their families, and their communities. Nationally, Seal of Excelencia certified institutions deliver measurable results: while representing less than 1% of all colleges and universities in the U.S, they enroll 16% and graduate 18% of Latino students nationwide, as well as enroll 7% and graduate 8% of all students. Four Arizona institutions have earned the Seal of Excelencia. Last month in Washington, DC, Excelencia in Education announced two Arizona institutions— Arizona State University and the University of Arizona — earned the new Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) Seal of Excelencia designation. This level of certification is for colleges and universities that achieve certification for the third time and demonstrate how they prepare students for the workforce and their long-term success. “Students and families expect higher education to demonstrate its practical value and policy makers and investors are looking for higher education to deliver a return on investment. By earning the Seal of Excelencia certification colleges and universities demonstrate how they effectively serve Latino, and all, students. It is significant that Arizona has four institutions that have earned the Seal of Excelencia ”” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education, at the Forum. “Further, for two of the eight institutions in the entire country —to have earned certification as Intentionally Thriving Institutions coming from Arizona is good news and demonstrate great potential for the future.” About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

< Back to News Page New Analysis Shows Latino Talent Is Key to U.S. Global Competitiveness as AI Changes Workforce Needs Mar 17, 2026 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Identifies Top Institutions and Strategies Cultivating Latino Talent to Meet Demands of High-Growth STEAM Fields WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 17, 2026) – A new analysis from Excelencia in Education makes clear that integrating the arts into STEM is essential to heightening U.S. global competitiveness as AI reshapes industries. Latino talent will be key to building an interdisciplinary workforce equipped to guide new technologies. The brief, Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) , examines national trends in Latinos’ STEAM degree completion, identifies top colleges and universities where Latinos earn STEAM credentials, and provides strategies for institutions and employers to prepare and recruit Latino talent for fast-growing STEAM fields. Excelencia’s analysis shows that Latinos earned nearly one-third of all STEAM degrees in 2023. However, they are underrepresented in STEM and STEAM occupations. For example, Latinos make up only 15% of the STEM workforce, despite accounting for 18% of all U.S. workers and being projected to drive the majority of workforce growth in the next decade. With STEAM occupations growing twice as fast as others, meeting the nation’s demand for a workforce that combines technical expertise, creativity, collaboration, and problem solving will take intentional investment to expand the Latino community’s access to interdisciplinary, career-connected education. The brief identifies the top 25 institutions where Latinos earn STEAM credentials — prime locations for recruiting Latino talent. Among the top 25, seven have earned the Seal of Excelencia , a national certification for continuous improvement and positive impact on student success, and three are certified by Excelencia as Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs) for delivering strong post-completion outcomes. “The talent our country needs to strengthen and drive growth in our workforce, and especially in the evolving AI-enabled economy, is already here,” said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and CEO. “The institutions and employers that commit to intentionally building partnerships and pathways that connect Latino, and all, graduates to STEAM careers will shape our future.” Excelencia identifies and scales what works with intentionality for Latino, and all, students to ensure higher education remains a powerful engine of social mobility, workforce development, and economic vitality. To that end, the brief highlights evidence-based practices from five ITIs and a Seal of Excelencia certified institution that are enhancing individual outcomes and the broader STEAM workforce pipeline — Arizona State University, Austin Community College, Florida International University, Miami Dade College, The University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of Arizona. These practices inform actionable strategies for institutions and employers to prepare and recruit Latino STEAM talent, creating sustainable ecosystems that expand opportunity and fuel innovation for the nation’s economic and civic future. Strategies for institutions include: Include the arts in STEM curricula; Assess and increase Latino participation in STEM and STEAM programs; Expand post-completion STEAM support for graduates; Evaluate and deepen industry partnerships; Track how Latino alumni apply their education in the workforce and use those insights to refine programs and strengthen career readiness; and Collaborate with other stakeholders to strengthen the STEAM talent pipeline. Strategies for employers include: Recruit from the top institutions graduating Latinos in STEAM. Invest in interdisciplinary Latino talent ecosystems; Align workforce and academic goals with institutional partners; Collaborate on data and insight sharing; Engage faculty as innovation partners; and Connect Latino professionals as mentors to support current students’ transitions into STEAM careers. Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in STEAM was developed in partnership with the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Read the full brief: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/finding-your-workforce-linking-college-completion-us-workforce-needs-steam 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

Susan Looney is President of Reading Area Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Reading Area Community College Susan Looney President Institution website: https://www.racc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.racc.edu/about-racc/presidents-biography Susan Looney is President of Reading Area Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Olivia Glad serves as Institutional Programs Senior Coordinator of Excelencia in Education. Olivia supports the IP team in the planning, execution, and documentation of activities and resources related to Excelencia’s evidence-based practices portfolio. < Back to Our People Page Olivia Glad Institutional Programs Senior Coordinator Excelencia in Education Email: oglad@edexcelencia.org Current Position: Olivia supports the Institutional Programs team in the planning, execution, and documentation of activities and resources related to Excelencia’s evidence-based practices portfolio. Olivia works closely with the team to engage constituents, refine processes and protocols, and track outcomes so the team can deliver on organizational goals. Past Experiences: Olivia graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and an interdisciplinary minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in May 2021 from Furman University. During her time as a student, she engaged in coursework which ignited her passion for understanding the complex interplay between gender and ethnicity. Olivia was later appointed the inaugural Post-Baccalaureate Fellow within Furman’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program, where she supported the scaling of the program through educational outreach, mentorship, and collaboration between the university and local community-based organizations. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I am committed to bridging the gaps between academic knowledge and real-world activism, with the goal of fostering positive change for all students in higher education. At Excelencia , we advocate for a multifaceted approach that combines education, initiatives, and community engagement to address the needs of Latino students, with the objective to more intentionally serve all students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? As an organization, we are devoted to supporting and uplifting the individuals and programs that are devoted to seeing Latino students thrive academically, socially, and culturally. I am glad to spend each day surrounded by agents of change with an immense commitment to serving Latino students.

Adela de la Torre is President of San Diego State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page San Diego State University Adela de la Torre President Institution website: https://www.sdsu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.sdsu.edu/about Adela de la Torre is President of San Diego State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 San Diego State University (SDSU) has continued its commitment to intentionally serve Latino students and the Latino community through focused areas of effort—a cornerstone to its 2020-2025 strategic plan. SDSU serves more than 33,000 students with 35% of the students identifying as Latino. Of these, more than 50% are eligible for the federal Pell grant. SDSU stands out as one of the nation's premier Hispanic-Serving, Hispanic-Thriving research universities.

Taylor Randall is President of the University of Utah and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Utah Taylor Randall President Institution website: https://www.utah.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.utah.edu/president-randall-bio/ Taylor Randall is President of the University of Utah and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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.

Excelencia’s institutional capacity recommendations compel policymakers to improve access to excellence by investing in institutions intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Institutional Capacity Excelencia in Education June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Institutions serving a growing share of Latino students also serve students from many backgrounds and situations, and supporting the institution will increase the educational and economic success for all learners and their communities. To deliver excellent education, institutions must invest in programs and policies that enhance student access, completion, and workforce readiness. Excelencia in Education prioritizes: Sustaining and Scaling Key Investments: Continued and impactful investment in competitive federal funding programs for institutional capacity to retain critical progress in Latino student success at institutions that have historically been underfunded, and ensure long-term dedication and improvement in academic quality for all of their students. Investing in Quality Higher Education: Fair and representative investment by states and the federal government in institutions that educate a significant and growing share of Latino students and take responsibility for expanding their impact and building sustainable support systems for student success. How can policy help improve access to excellence by investing in institutions intentionally serving Latino, and all, students? Provide guaranteed funding to all HSIs who meet the eligibility requirements for Title V grants. Count every student instead of using full-time equivalent (FTE) to determine eligibility for funding, and significantly increase financial support to institutions serving high numbers of students with financial need. Improve information about federal investment in HSIs by increasing transparency around grant outcomes. Refocus and limit the allowable activities for Title III and V grants to better align with Latino student success. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce