With the belief that good policy is informed by good practice, Excelencia brings national attention to programs that are exemplary in the way they intentionally and effectively serve Latino students. Annual Examples of Excelencia Evidence-Based Programs That Are Intentional In SERVING Latino, And All, Students: With the belief that good policy is informed by good practice, Excelencia brings national attention to programs that exemplify an intentional commitment to advancing Latino and other post-traditional students in higher education. These programs demonstrate evidence-based practices that can inform and guide student-centered efforts. Learn more about each of the Examples of Excelencia . 2025 Examples of Excelencia : The 2025 Examples of Excelencia are building faculty pipelines, providing holistic supports that help students earn degrees and credentials, connecting classroom learning to in-demand jobs, and offering 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. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) Institution/Organization: Cerritos College State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring Program Profile: Download BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program Institution/Organization: California State University, Long Beach State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Undergraduate Research Program Profile: Download GRADUATE LEVEL: Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative Institution/Organization: University of Illinois Chicago State: Illinois Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Other, Doctoral Training and Professionalization Program Profile: Download CBO LEVEL: Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity through Education & Career Pathways Institution/Organization: Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) State: Texas Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Adult Learners Program Profile: Download 2024 Examples of Excelencia : The 2024 Examples of Excelencia were selected from a group of 18 finalists that were gathered from 103 program profile submissions representing 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Download Icon Download a copy and read the 2024 edition of What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education for more information about each program’s evidence-based practices and their impact. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: English for Academic Purposes Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College State: Pennsylvania Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Institution/Organization: Washington State University State: Washington Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support GRADUATE LEVEL: Project upGRADS Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring CBO LEVEL: Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed Institution/Organization: The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. State: Florida Issue Area: Access Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Scholarship WEBINAR RECORDING Elevating What Works for Latino Students: A Conversation with Practitioners Leading Successful Programs During this webinar, representatives from the 2024 Examples of Excelencia shared their programs' evidence-based practices to improve higher education outcomes. They also discussed how they measure their programs’ impact and offered insights into implementation efforts for other institutions and communities to consider. 2023 Examples of Excelencia : The 2023 Examples of Excelencia were selected from a group of 19 finalists that were gathered from 103 program profile submissions that represented 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Download Icon Download and read a copy of the 2023 edition of What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education for more information about each program’s evidence-based practices and their impact. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Engineering Program at Wright Institution/Organization: City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College State: Illinois Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Transfer BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting Program Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State: Texas Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Discipline/Subject GRADUATE LEVEL: Graduate Equity Fellowship Program Institution/Organization: California State University, Chico State: California Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring CBO LEVEL: College and Career Success Institution/Organization: Breakthrough Central Texas State: Texas Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring

These programs positively impact their Latino students and local communities by incorporating intentional and culturally relevant evidence-based practices. Examples of Excelencia Finalists 2025 This year, Excelencia in Education recognized 12 programs that demonstrate intentionality and impact in improving Latino, and all, student success in higher education. The finalists for the 2025 Examples of Excelencia are increasing access to a quality college education through evidence-based practices such as bridge programs, academic advising and counseling, family engagement through bilingual outreach, and targeted mentoring and coaching designed to help students graduate workforce-ready. Since 2005, Excelencia has reviewed over 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 for their proven impact, and raised and awarded more than $2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the nation. Looking to connect with these programs or other evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide you with a curated list of programs making an impact on student success based on the state, academic level, or issue area of your interest. Contact us .

Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS) is a national network of postsecondary leaders committed to Ensuring America’s Future by making our country stronger with the talents, skills, and contributions of Latino college graduates. 2025 Excelencia in Action Profile Higher education leaders with skills and vision are fundamental to our country’s strong recovery. Those prepared to engage and intentionally serve Latino students, while serving all their students, will lead the way. – Sarita Brown, Co-Founder and President of Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Action (E-Action) is a network of more than 208 postsecondary leaders from 28 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico committed to a collective goal with Excelencia in Education of Ensuring America’s Future by making our country stronger with the talents, skills, and contributions of Latino, and all, college graduates. DOWNLOAD PROFILE Which Institutions Are in the E-Action Network? The E-Action network represents a coalition of colleges and universities across the country that are transforming to become places where Latino, and all, students thrive. Currently, most institutions in the network are: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). About 77% are HSIs, 12% are Emerging HSIs (eHSIs), 11% are neither. Public institutions. Over 84% are public institutions, and the others (16%) are private 4-year institutions. In the South and West regions. Almost three-quarters are in the South (28%) and West (42%). Working to be Seal of Excelencia certified. 48 are nationally certified for intentionally serving Latinos (Sep 2025). What Distinguishes the E-Action Network From Other Institutions? Institutions in the E-Action network are focused on advancing success for Latino and other low-income and first-generation students. Comparing the E-Action network to all institutions: Retention rates are higher. Latino faculty representation is about twice as high. Students are more likely to receive Pell Grants and less likely to receive federal student loans or total grant aid. How Does the E-Action Network Accelerate Latino Student Success? Colleges and universities in the E-Action network lead the nation in enrolling and graduating Latino students: Three of the top five institutions enrolling Latinos nationally are E-Action network affiliates. Three of the top five institutions awarding associate degrees and all of the top five institutions awarding baccalaureate degrees to Latinos nationally are E-Action network affiliates. All of the top five institutions awarding baccalaureate degrees to Latinos have also earned the Seal of Excelencia . How Do Seal of Excelencia -certified Institutions Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students? The Seal of Excelencia is a national certification for colleges and universities demonstrating positive momentum and intentionality in SERVING Latino students. The certification is valid for three years. As of September 2025, 48 institutions have earned the Seal of Excelencia . Of these, eight institutions from the 2019 inaugural cohort have been recertified twice and are now Intentionally Thriving Institutions demonstrating intentionality and impact for their students beyond completion by preparing and connecting them to the workforce. The Seal-certified institutions are located in 11 states. Three states enroll 1 in 3 Latino undergraduates, three states enroll 1 in 4, and a significant concentration are in the other five states. Among Seal-certified institutions: Undergraduates have higher retention rates than students at all institutions. Undergraduates are more likely to receive Pell Grants and less likely to receive federal student loans. Latino faculty representation is over two times higher than at all institutions. Latinos’ degree outcomes are better than those at all institutions. How Do Institutions in the E-Action Network Benefit from Partnering with Excelencia ? Once institutions join the E-Action network, they have prioritized access to a range of opportunities and tools that equip them to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students on their campuses while serving all: Capacity Building Institutes. Excelencia gives priority for participation in our Capacity Building Institutes to institutions in the E-Action network. The Institutes meet institutions where they are on their transformation journey to support and reinforce capacity to intentionally serve. Research Opportunities. The commitment to Latino student success made by institutions in the network extends to their participation in Excelencia’s research, which informs higher education policy, promotes evidence-based practices, and compels action that accelerates Latino, and all, student success. Policy Forums. Excelencia engages institutional leaders in the E-Action network in frank discussions about the issues impacting Latino students, empowering them to set the national agenda for Latino, and all, student success in higher education. Promotion on a National Stage. Excelencia celebrates Latino students and graduates from institutions in the E-Action network year round, and we promote the colleges and universities whose intentionality supported these students to progress their journeys. To join the E-Action network, please contact: E-Action@EdExcelencia.org .

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 Why does the Seal of Excelencia matter? Excelencia in Education’s mission is to accelerate Latino student success, while increasing all student success, to close postsecondary attainment gaps and advance our families, communities, and nation. We are committed to significantly increasing the number of students attaining college degrees by 2030 in partnership with institutions. As part of this commitment, Excelencia in Education established the Seal of Excelencia , a rigorous, data-driven certification framework that requires colleges and universities to show intentionality and measurable results for student success. Institutions earn this standard of excellence through an intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and leadership, all resulting in students’ educational and economic success. Interested in Seal of Excelencia Certification? Explore this portal to access Seal application information and resources. What support is available to my institution? Support to strengthen institutional capacity to SERVE Latino, and all, students is available through our technical assistance opportunities . What is the Excelencia in Action network? Learn more about Excelencia's network of leaders committed to making their institutions learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. What is the Seal of Excelencia Framework? To support and reinforce institutional capacity to intentionally serve, Excelencia developed a framework that integrates essential components of transformation into a comprehensive institutional strategy for SERVING students. This framework represents learning from over 20 years of working with higher education institutions. LEARN MORE Seal of Excelencia Certified Institutions In 2025, five institutions earned the Seal of Excelencia , five earned recertification, and eight were recognized with the new Intentionally Thriving Institution certification, recognizing their continuing journey to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students, and emphasizing their impact in preparing students for and connecting them to the workforce. These 18 institutions belong to a community of 48 trendsetting colleges and universities that have earned the Seal by demonstrating intentionality and impact in serving Latino, and all, students through data, practice, and leadership. LEARN MORE Leaders Create Change Hear what institutional leaders are saying about earning the Seal of Excelencia certification. LEARN MORE

Andrew Jones is President of California State University-Long Beach and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Long Beach Andrew Jones President Institution website: https://www.csulb.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csulb.edu/long-beach-state-foundation/page/andrew-jones Andrew Jones is President of California State University-Long Beach and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 California State University (CSU) Long Beach serves the counties of Los Angeles and Orange, enrolling 39,435 students. Of these 50% are Latinx and 49% are Pell Grant eligible and/or have first-generation low-income backgrounds. CSU Long Beach focuses on engaging students, expanding access, promoting intellectual achievement, building community, and cultivating resilience and has made great strides toward closing retention and graduation gaps.

Honee Herrera Gil serves as Institutional Capacity Manager of Excelencia in Education. Honee connects and engages institutional teams to Excelencia’s technical assistance support and the Seal of Excelencia. < Back to Our People Page Honee Herrera Gil Institutional Capacity Manager Excelencia in Education Email: hgil@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As the Institutional Capacity Manager, Honee works with colleagues to connect and engage institutional teams to Excelencia’s technical assistance support and the Seal of Excelencia . She serves as an essential connection point to the Institutional Capacity team and actively engages with institutional partners, affiliates, and constituents, fostering trust and maintaining high-quality communications. She plays a vital role in program operations to keep team members informed, organized, and connected so that the team can deliver on its goals to support institutions on their journeys to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Honee also leads the Institutional Capacity team’s data collection to inform strategic planning and decision making to support the organization’s commitment to serving the Latino community, with a specific focus on how these efforts contribute to institutional transformation and progression through the Ladder of Engagement. Past Experiences: Honee has previous leadership experience in programs designed to help various underserved groups, including migrant families, students with disabilities, non-traditional transfer students, and first-generation college students. Her commitment to education and social justice grew stronger through these roles. In her last role at GEAR UP, she played a crucial role in improving the academic achievements and college preparedness for students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. Beyond her work with GEAR UP, Honee has made significant contributions to the migrant community – assisting farm workers in obtaining their GEDs to empower them to pursue further education, and working collaboratively with school staff, district leaders, parents, and community members to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students. Additionally, she served as a staff advisor for a student organization supporting Dreamers, offering support and encouragement to undocumented students as they navigated their educational journeys. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I am deeply committed to expanding educational opportunities and equity for underserved communities. Being part of a comunidad that’s dedicated to empowering Latino student success, such as Excelencia , is a true privilege. Excelencia’s platform offers me an opportunity to expand the reach of my work, fostering institutional growth and transformation on a national platform. I’m eager to continue advocating for access to quality education for every student and to support Excelencia in its mission to promote educational success for Latino, and all, students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement. The commitment to educational equity and the success of Latino students is tangible in all of our technical assistance work. Our team’s passion contributes to a working environment that encourages innovation and teamwork. I am honored to play a role in intentionally SERVING Latino students and to collaborate with a team that’s genuinely making an impact every day.

Stephen Perez is President of California State University-Chico and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Chico Stephen Perez President Institution website: https://www.csuchico.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csuchico.edu/about/office/president/leadership/steve-perez.shtml Stephen Perez is President of California State University-Chico and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Susan Parish is President of Mercy University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Mercy University Susan Parish President Institution website: https://www.mercy.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.mercy.edu/news-events/news/maverick-magazine-spring-2023-mercy-college-selects-13th-president-susan-l-parish Susan Parish is President of Mercy University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2025-2028 Mercy University continues to serve Latino students as the largest Hispanic-Serving Institution in the New York region, enrolling almost 6,800 students of which 48% identify as Latino.

Richard Bierschbach is Interim President of Wayne State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Wayne State University Richard Bierschbach Interim President Institution website: https://wayne.edu/ Bio Page: https://law.wayne.edu/profile/gl9503 Richard Bierschbach is Interim President of Wayne State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Ricardo Solis is President of South Texas College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page South Texas College Ricardo Solis President Institution website: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/ Bio Page: https://admin.southtexascollege.edu/president/ Ricardo Solis is President of South Texas College and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 STC, an open-access institution, serves a predominantly Hispanic population (95%) in a region of Texas where 32% lack a high school diploma and poverty rates are nearly 32%, making education a critical driver of opportunity. STC serves more than 27,000 students of which 94% identify as Latino.

** is President of Western Michigan University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Western Michigan University ** President Institution website: https://wmich.edu/ Bio Page: https://wmich.edu/president/biography#:~:text=Dr.,president%20of%20Western%20Michigan%20University ** is President of Western Michigan University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Gladys Nieves Vázquez is President of EDP University of Puerto Rico and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page EDP University of Puerto Rico Gladys Nieves Vázquez President Institution website: https://edpuniversity.edu/ Bio Page: https://edpuniversity.edu/profile/gladys-nieves/ Gladys Nieves Vázquez is President of EDP University of Puerto Rico and part of Excelencia in Action network.