< Back to News Page Four Higher Education Programs Recognized for Their Exemplary Work in Advancing Latino, and all, Student Success Sep 30, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Recognizes the 2024 Examples of Excelencia, Amplifying Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latino, and All, Students WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 30, 2024) – In our 20th year identifying and promoting what works for Latino, and all, students in higher education, Excelencia in Education announced today four programs recognized as the 2024 Examples of Excelencia . These programs exemplify what is possible when higher education institutions and community-based organizations intentionally serve Latino, and all, students on their journey to and through college. The 2024 Examples are addressing academic barriers, creating a sense of belonging, increasing affordability, providing experiential learning opportunities, and investing in wrap-around services that improve higher education outcomes. Each year, four Examples of Excelencia are selected from the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels for their intentionality and evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success. The 2024 Examples emerged from 345 nominations from 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 103 program submissions, and 18 finalists. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are: English for Academic Purposes , Reading Area Community College – Reading, PA (Associate Level) The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) , Washington State University – Pullman, WA (Baccalaureate Level) Project upGRADS , California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA (Graduate Level) Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed , The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. – Immokalee, FL (Community-Based Organization Level) “We must make a positive difference in the lives of our college students who trust us to help them meet their education goals. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are proof there is good work implemented around the country," said Adriana Rodriguez, COO and vice president for institutional programs at Excelencia in Education. “These programs model what other institutions and organizations can implement in their own communities.” Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino, and all, 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, and all, students across the country. A committee of diverse higher education leaders selected the 2024 Examples of Excelencia to showcase innovative programming and proven practices that support Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially. These programs serve as replicable models of cultural responsiveness that lead to credit and degree completion, which in turn supports Latino families and communities to ensure America’s future. Programs selected annually as Examples of Excelencia and finalists are 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, and all, students. This year’s Examples of Excelencia will be honored at the organization’s annual Celebración de Excelencia in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the 2024 Examples of Excelencia : https://www.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

To reinforce institutional capacity to better serve, Excelencia has created the Ladder of Engagement which is a system of technical assistance comprised of support, tools, resources, and expertise. Institutional Capacity Building Excelencia in Education helps colleges and universities embed student-centered data-driven continuous improvement cycles into their strategies and practices to demonstrate measurable outcomes and prove their positive student impact to funders, accreditors, and the communities they serve. To support and reinforce institutional capacity to more intentionally serve all students, Excelencia’s capacity building programming meets institutions where they are in their transformation and supports their journey to build sustainable, campus-wide habits of accountability. Build sustainable, campus-wide habits of continuous improvement. LEARN MORE Excelencia leverages more than 20 years of experience listening to, learning from, and working with colleges and universities in transforming their campuses into places where Latino, and all, students thrive. In this community of practice, Excelencia offers curated content and peer support to institutions in their journey to more intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. 2026 Excelencia's C apacity Building Programming To build and support institutional capacity, Excelencia offers institutional teams institutes in the Seal of Excelencia framework areas of data, practice, and leadership as well as key policy areas: Data Institute: Strengthen your team’s capacity to analyze, interpret, and leverage data to drive institutional data-based decisions and actions. Evidence-Based Practices Institute: Builds your team’s capacity to assess impact and document intentionality of your efforts for data-driven accountability and continuous improvement Alignment Institute : Offers a cohort-driven and interactive engagement to align institutional data, evidence-based practices, and leadership strategies to increase student success. Post-Completion Institute : Engages institutional teams in developing, implementing, and measuring support systems for the post-completion success of Latino, and all, students. Additional information and registration links for each institute can be found here . Institutes A student-centered self-assessment tool for institutions to evaluate who they serve, don't serve, and aim to serve. It identifies strengths, challenges, and opportunities for greater intentionality by examining data, leadership, and practices linked to success for Latino and all students. Three facilitated cohorts to choose from. A SSITA Intake form and additional information for each can be found here . SSITA (Seal Serving Institutional Transformation Assessment) What Works Workshops Finding What Works: Exploring Your Campus for Impactful Programs - A workshop series to support your institution's journey in identifying programs serving Latino, and all, students and exploring their impact. Sharing Excellence: A Workshop to Craft Stories of Impactful Programs – A workshop series that offers higher education leaders a writing lab experience to craft a narrative of your program efforts grounded in intentionality and evidence. Additional information and registration links for each institute can be found here . Webinars 2026 Examples of Excelencia Submission Webinar - During this one-hour virtual session, the Institutional Programs team will provide an overview of the submission process, including the changes for 2026. 2026 Seal of Excelencia Certification Application Webinar - Webinar provides an overview of the 2026 application process, key dates and resources available. It will also feature 2025 Seal certified institutions who will share their experiences and recommendations. Virtual on March 30. Register here . Expand Your Knowledge with Excelencia What will institutional teams experience at Excelencia’s capacity building events and activities? Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities offer interactive, content-rich sessions by subject matter specialists, policy makers, researchers, leaders in higher education, and representatives from Seal of Excelencia certified institutions and Examples of Excelencia programs to build momentum and increase capacity to become spaces where all students thrive. What is Excelencia’s approach to help institutions examine their data, practices, and leadership strategies? As a trusted and respected convener, Excelencia creates environments built on confianza for institutional teams to engage in asset-based discussions on data, evidence-based practices, leadership strategies, and policy with a student-centered lens to identify institutional strengths and opportunities. How does Excelencia facilitate sharing and learning among peer institutions as they build capacity to increase student success? Excelencia’s Capacity building activities offer opportunities to engage and network with other institutions as cohorts to build communities of common cause and practice sharing experiences, strategies, practices, strengths, and opportunities. What will institutions gain (walk away with) after engaging in Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities? Excelencia offers dedicated time and space for institutional teams to reflect, discuss, and develop tactical action plans for campus-wide implementation using Excelencia’s robust tools to examine their own data, practices, and leadership strategies. What support do institutions receive after engaging in Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities? Excelencia's team remains a resource for all institutions that engage in capacity building and seek further opportunities to increase their student success. For those attending institutes, Excelencia offers opportunities to continue learning and sharing with peer institutions through facilitated engagement at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up sessions after each institute. For more information or for any questions, please email our team at InstCapacity@EdExcelencia.org . LEARN MORE

** is President of St. Edward's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page St. Edward's University ** President Institution website: https://www.stedwards.edu/ Bio Page: ** is President of St. Edward's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 St. Edward’s University (St. Edward’s) is a private university in Austin, Texas that enrolls 2,766 undergraduate students, of whom 51% are Latino, and 40% are Pell Grant recipients. St. Edward’s was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics: the courage to take risks, an international perspective and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational and economic backgrounds.

Anna Israel serves as Development Coordinator of Excelencia in Education. Andrianna supports the executive team in advancing fundraising efforts by researching potential funders and aligning their priorities with Excelencia’s portfolios. < Back to Our People Page Anna Israel Development Coordinator Excelencia in Education Email: aisrael@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As Development Coordinator, Anna supports the executive team in advancing fundraising efforts by researching potential funders and aligning their priorities with Excelencia’s portfolios. She prepares briefing materials, tracks funder engagement, and coordinates input from senior leadership. Anna also collaborates with internal teams to drive portfolio goals and streamline processes for greater efficiency in fund development. Past Experiences: Anna has extensive experience in nonprofit development and fundraising, including conducting prospect research, managing fundraising campaigns, and overseeing fundraising operations. She has supported nonprofits with grant research and writing, as well as public relations and social media management. Anna earned a bachelor’s in communications with a focus on public relations from Purdue University Northwest. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a first-generation student and graduate of an HSI, Excelencia’s mission resonates deeply with me. I understand firsthand the transformative power of higher education in providing opportunities for professional growth and economic mobility. I also recognize the importance of being in a learning environment that genuinely supports students and sets them up for success. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to using my skills and experience to help nonprofits serve and advocate for Black and Latino communities. Working at Excelencia allows me to extend that impact on a national scale. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? From the founders to every staff member, there is a powerful echo of passion, professionalism, innovation, and resilience. It’s both an honor and an inspiration to work alongside individuals who consistently uphold such a high standard of excellence.

Reetika Dhawan is President of Arizona Western College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Arizona Western College Reetika Dhawan President Institution website: https://www.azwestern.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.azwestern.edu/about/office-of-the-president/biography Reetika Dhawan is President of Arizona Western College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Mississippi, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Mississippi Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 29% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 41% Of White adults Fast Facts Mississippi had the 41st largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 5% K-12 Population 4% Total Population Enrollment 23% Latino Students 22% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 42 White Median Income $30,191 Without a college degree $50,776 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was equal to that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Mississippi. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 17%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Mississippi. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 University of Mississippi Public, 4-year or above 18,995 1,002 5% 3,887 121 3% 2 Mississippi State University Public, 4-year or above 18,092 761 4% 4,547 135 3% 3 University of Southern Mississippi Public, 4-year or above 9,899 466 5% 2,551 102 4% 4 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Public, 2-year 6,231 453 7% 2,075 133 6% 5 Northwest Mississippi Community College Public, 2-year 5,181 339 7% 1,099 67 6% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE 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 U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

The report provides recommendations on how high school counselors can grow visibility of higher education options for Latino student college access and success. < Back College Counseling for Latino and Underrepresented Students National Association for College Admission Counseling; Excelencia in Education April 2015 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latinos represent almost one quarter of students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade in public schools. Between 2011 and 2022, Latino postsecondary enrollment will increase by 27% – the largest rate of increase of all groups. This study, by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) in partnership with Excelencia in Education, examines the role of high school counselors in assisting Latino and other underrepresented students through their transition to college. Public high schools continue to emphasize the importance of planning for postsecondary education. For Latinos and other underrepresented groups, counselors can act as a catalyst in the development of postsecondary aspirations and the formation of “college knowledge.” Increasing knowledge on academic and financial aid options for students and their families help reduce barriers to regarding postsecondary education. One-on-one and culturally competent counseling positively affect Latinos enrolling in college after high school graduation. This study uses site visits to examine the challenges and successes of providing college readiness counseling to Latino, and all, students. NACAC’s counseling trends survey lends information to the effects of counseling on student enrollment in postsecondary education. The study also includes recommendations for improving college counseling, access, and success for Latino, and all, students. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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

Cynthia K. Larive is Chancellor of the University of California-Santa Cruz and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of California-Santa Cruz Cynthia K. Larive Chancellor Institution website: https://www.ucsc.edu/ Bio Page: https://chancellor.ucsc.edu/about/ Cynthia K. Larive is Chancellor of the University of California-Santa Cruz and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2025-2028 The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), a public four-year Hispanic-Serving Research Institution (HSRI), serves 17,940 undergraduates of which 29% are Latino and 31% first-generation.

This fact sheet provides allies on the mainland with information on enrollment and completion, funding patterns, and challenges for higher education in Puerto Rico. < Back Higher Education in Puerto Rico Excelencia in Education May 2019 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, almost two years ago (September 2017) and most educational institutions were severely impacted. Many are still recovering. As those on the island look to rebuild, it is important potential allies on the mainland are more aware of the enrollment and completion, funding patterns, and future challenges of higher education in Puerto Rico. Learn the facts Download the Higher Education in Puerto Rico fact sheet Learn more about Latino College Completion in Puerto Rico Support To support colleges and universities in Puerto Rico dealing with the aftereffects of Hurricane Maria, Excelencia dedicated a session during the 2018 Accelerating Latino Student Success (ALASS) Institute and joined forces with Margarita Benitez, Executive Director of the Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades. The Importance of Colleges and Universities in Puerto Rico Highlights from the 2018 ALASS Institute The Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades (FPH) / Puerto Rico Endowment for the Humanities is the equivalent of a Humanities State Council: an independent, non-profit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities and dedicated to promoting humanistic values in its region. Margarita Benítez is the executive director. Since its creation in 1977, the FPH has significantly enabled Puerto Rico’s cultural and humanistic development by supporting organizations, communities, museums, universities and individuals as they undertake projects that reflect the diversity of the Puerto Rican experience, its heritage, traditions and history in the island and beyond. FPH’s support of research, symposia, exhibitions and multiple public programs contribute to the understanding and dissemination of the Puerto Rican humanistic experience in all its forms. For the past eight decades, higher education in Puerto Rico has been the most reliable pathway for individual and collective advancement. Puerto Rico is now facing a difficult economic situation, made more complicated by the ongoing repercussions of Hurricane Maria and demographic trends that show a reduction in the birth rate and an increase in the over 60 population Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< Back to News Page New Analysis Shows Critical Role Hispanic-Serving Institutions Play in Educating Latino, and All, Students Apr 8, 2026 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Finds That HSIs Enroll and Graduate Two-Thirds of Latino, and One-Third of All, Undergraduates, but Face Elimination of Federal Funding WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 8, 2026) – Excelencia in Education today released its annual analysis of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) — identifying 631. HSIs now represent 1 out of every 5 colleges and universities (21%), yet they enrolled and graduated 65% of Latino, and 32% of all, students in the past year. The Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2026 Factbook details the current profile of HSIs, including their growth and pipeline. The Factbook also describes themes of how HSIs have innovated with federal Title V capacity-building funds to provide a quality education for Latino, and all, students, and it articulates the disruption to their efforts when the current administration eliminated $350 million in funding for HSIs and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) last year. Excelencia’s analysis shows the number of HSIs increased by 29 in 2024-25. HSls are defined as having 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment. HSIs have tripled since they first received federal funding more than 30 years ago — reflecting significant growth in Latino college enrollment. As HSIs grow, they also serve more students from all backgrounds — enrolling 42% of Asian, 24% of Black, and 18% of White undergraduates in college today. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) challenged the constitutionality of the MSI programs and redistributed this funding to other programs for FY2025. This includes $229 million that Congress appropriated to HSIs through the Title V Developing HSIs Program for capacity building that improves education access and quality for Latino and other low-income students. Excelencia estimates $112 million will be lost for 49 institutions in 12 states that successfully competed for five-year Title V grants in 2024 — undermining advancements on their campuses that benefit all students they enroll. There remains uncertainty around HSI funding. Despite Congress’ FY2026 appropriation of about $259 million for HSIs through Title V funds, the current administration has demonstrated a clear intention that it will redistribute these funds, along with the $78 million appropriated for other MSIs, to the Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), funded at $102 million. The analysis anticipates that this move will result in HSIs with low education and general expenditures and high enrollment of needy students competing for needed funds with a much larger pool of over 1,000 eligible institutions. "The current administration’s actions contradict the critical role HSIs play in providing access to a quality education and meeting our national need for a highly educated citizenry and workforce,” said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and CEO. “As HSIs enroll a greater share of all students, the need for sustained, targeted investment in strengthening their capacity has never been clearer.” The Factbook further highlights the innovation and capacity-building efforts halted by the elimination of Title V funding. It shows 2024 grantees planned to leverage funds to modernize learning infrastructure and academic programs, invest in faculty development and student-centered support systems for all students, and link students to workforce opportunities. In particular, Miami Dade College — an institution that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for continuous improvement in student success — planned to invest Title V funds on its Medical Campus to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce pipeline. Excelencia also identified institutions that have sustained work that began with Title V investments, demonstrating the progress and transformation possible through this funding. Examples of sustained work include embedding career exploration into core coursework, leveraging AI for financial education, strengthening industry partnerships, elevating high-impact research opportunities, and implementing evidence-based course redesign. Excelencia releases its analysis of HSIs every year to inform the field of where Latinos enroll, examine institutional efforts increasing student success, and compel action to transform higher education and intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Access the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): 2026 Factbook here: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/hispanic-serving-institutions-hsis-factbook 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

Cathy Sandeen is President of California State University-East Bay and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-East Bay Cathy Sandeen President Institution website: https://www.csueastbay.edu/index.html Bio Page: https://www.csueastbay.edu/administration/index.html Cathy Sandeen is President of California State University-East Bay and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified: 2024-2027 California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) is a public university located in Hayward. CSUEB caters to the diverse aspirations of its student population and is a transfer-oriented campus. Almost over 60% of its undergraduates were transfer students, and 36% of those are Latino. In Fall 2023, CSUEB enrolled 13,338 students with more than 41% of undergraduates identifying as Latino. The University is designated both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).