Adrien L. Bennings is President of Portland Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Portland Community College Adrien L. Bennings President Institution website: https://www.pcc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.pcc.edu/news/2022/11/her-community-college-moment/ Adrien L. Bennings is President of Portland Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Rey Rivera is President of Estrella Mountain Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Estrella Mountain Community College Rey Rivera President Institution website: https://www.estrellamountain.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.estrellamountain.edu/about/administration Rey Rivera is President of Estrella Mountain Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page National Nonprofit Unveils Direct Impact Fund for Donors Committed to Latino 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 Latino college completion goals by 2030 WASHINGTON, D.C. ( December 17, 2024 ) – Excelencia in Education ( Excelencia ) , the nation’s leading organization focused on accelerating Latino 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 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. To accelerate this vital work, the Futuro Fund will mobilize support and investment around institutions in the Presidents for Latino Student Success 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 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 students by intentionally supporting their success. Using Excelencia’s framework, Seal-certified institutions outperform other institutions, HSIs and non-HSIs, in Latino 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 Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, informing educational policies with a Latino lens, and advancing evidence-based practices. In 2024, Excelencia marks 20 years of commitment to Latino student success. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Mildred Mihlon is President of Felician University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Felician University Mildred Mihlon President Institution website: https://felician.edu/ Bio Page: https://felician.edu/about-felician-university/office-of-the-president/ Mildred Mihlon is President of Felician University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Jennifer Cowley is President of The University of Texas at Arlington and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page The University of Texas at Arlington Jennifer Cowley President Institution website: https://www.uta.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/meet-the-president#:~:text=Jennifer%20Cowley%2C%20Ph.&text=Jennifer%20Cowley%20is%20the%20first,her%20career%20to%20public%20service Jennifer Cowley is President of The University of Texas at Arlington and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2025-2028 The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a Carnegie Research 1 and Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With 41,000 students, of which 34% are Latino, UTA recently awarded a record 11,526 degrees, making it the third-largest degree producer in Texas.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Releases Comprehensive New Profile of Latino Students in Higher Education Apr 9, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Timely Analysis Provides a Touchstone to Better Understand and Serve One of the Fastest Growing College-Age Populations WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announces today the release of a comprehensive new profile of Latino students — one of the fastest growing populations in higher education — and institutions where they enroll in order to inform policy and mobilize action that ensures they are served well. It shows Latinos represent the majority of growth in the number of degrees earned nationwide, despite their lower degree attainment compared to all students. The analysis, “ Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts ,” demonstrates Latinos account for 79% of the 4% overall increase in the number of degrees earned over the last five years. Latinos have made significant gains in degree completion, but only 27% of Latinos had earned an associate degree or higher in 2021-22, compared to 44% of all people. Latinos continue to be underrepresented across degree levels. “For 20 years, Excelencia has led the way with analysis and actionable efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “Our new compilation of fact sheets builds on these efforts, sets the stage for national policy discussions, and equips institutions to more intentionally serve the growing number of Latino students on their campuses while increasing success for all.” In addition to providing a comprehensive profile of Latino students, institutions that serve them, and the opportunities they face, the analysis informs Excelencia’s four policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention, and transfer. Key findings from the analysis include: Latinos are far more likely to be first-generation college students. Half of Latinos (51%) were first-generation college students, compared to African Americans (38%), Asians (30%), and Whites (22%). Latinos are more likely to receive the federal Pell Grant. In 2019-20, about half of Latino students (49%) received a Pell Grant, awarded to students displaying exceptional financial need. Only 26% of Latinos accepted federal student loans, fewer than any group except Asians (25%). Latinos have the highest labor force participation rate. Two-thirds of Latinos (66%) participated in the labor force in 2022. However, Latinos are overrepresented in lower paying occupations, with 34% in manual labor roles. Institutions serving Latinos are predominantly Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). 600 HSIs represent 20% of all colleges and universities yet educate 63% of Latino students. Seal of Excelencia certified institutions graduate Latinos at a higher rate than institutions nationally . Institutions with the Seal — a national certification for intentionally serving Latino students — represented less than 1% of colleges and universities yet enrolled 15% and graduated 17% of Latino students. Excelencia in Education works with a national network of institutions committed to knowing and intentionally serving Latino, and all, students so they thrive on their campuses. “Increasing the number of Latinos that earn degrees is essential to meeting our country’s workforce and civic leadership needs,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We are proud to make common cause with institutional leaders who choose to be part of our national network committed to accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Together, they are ensuring America’s bright future with the talents of Latinos.” “Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts” benefited from the support and public leadership of 24 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia : Arizona State University Austin Community College District California State University Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College El Paso Community College Florida International University Grand Valley State University Long Beach City College Mercy University Miami Dade College San Antonio College South Texas College St. Edward’s University University at Albany, SUNY University of Illinois Chicago The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Access the full analysis: EdExcelencia.org/latinos-higher-ed-2024-fast-facts About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Amy Diaz is President of GateWay Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page GateWay Community College Amy Diaz President Institution website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/president Amy Diaz is President of GateWay Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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 Oklahoma. Latino College Completion - Oklahoma 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) 20% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 39% Of White adults Fast Facts Oklahoma had the 24th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 18% K-12 Population 12% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 34% Latino Students 34% White Students Median Age 24 Latinos 42 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 51% Latino Students 58% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 0%-points equal to that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Oklahoma. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 7%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Public, 4-year or above 20,800 2,607 13% 2 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 19,841 1,757 9% 3 Oklahoma City Community College Public, 2-year 9,759 1,746 18% 4 University of Central Oklahoma Public, 4-year or above 11,420 1,625 14% 5 Tulsa Community College Public, 2-year 11,810 1,459 12% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Oklahoma, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Oklahoma City Community College Public, 2-year 1,770 266 15% 2 Tulsa Community College Public, 2-year 2,401 241 10% 3 Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Public, 4-year or above 806 106 13% 4 Rose State College Public, 2-year 772 68 9% 5 Northern Oklahoma College Public, 2-year 565 66 12% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Oklahoma, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Public, 4-year or above 4,665 479 10% 2 Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 4,519 333 7% 3 University of Central Oklahoma Public, 4-year or above 2,442 271 11% 4 Northeastern State University Public, 4-year or above 1,465 90 6% 5 Mid-America Christian University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 287 76 26% 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.

Jeffrey P. Nasse is Chancellor of Pima Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Pima Community College Jeffrey P. Nasse Chancellor Institution website: https://www.pima.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.pima.edu/about-pima/leadership-policies/chancellor/index.html Jeffrey P. Nasse is Chancellor of Pima Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 Pima Community College (PCC) is located just one-hour north of the U.S.-Mexico border in Tucson, Arizona. The PCC student population reflects 49% Latino, of which 66% attend part-time and 33% attend full-time. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to fostering pathways to high-skill, high-wage jobs, PCC has undertaken a strategic approach to align their educational offerings with the needs of the local labor market, presenting significant opportunities for social and economic mobility, particularly to its Latino community.

David A. Tandberg is President of Adams State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Adams State University David A. Tandberg President Institution website: https://www.adams.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.adams.edu/president/ David A. Tandberg is President of Adams State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Cassy Castañón serves as a Technical Assistance Manager of Excelencia in Education. Cassy supports and implements institutes, pláticas, webinars, and tools for institutional teams to support their transformational progress to more intentionally serve Latino students. < Back to Our People Page Cassy Castañón Technical Assistance Manager Excelencia in Education Email: ccastanon@edexcelencia.org Current Position: Cassy serves as the Technical Assistance Manager as part of the Institutional Capacity team and is responsible for supporting and implementing institutes, pláticas, webinars, and tools for institutional teams to support their transformational progress to more intentionally serve Latino students. In addition, she coordinates the case management, informational methods, and strategies to assist institutions with improving access, retention, and completion of Latino students. Past Experiences: Cassy has dedicated her professional career to ensuring students have access to the information, tools, and support to ensure their educational success. After receiving her master’s degree in Library and Information Science, she worked at Reading is Fundamental, a literacy non-profit in DC, supporting schools and programs throughout the US, Puerto Rico and Guam. She also dedicated more than 10 years supporting foster youth with educational and housing needs at United Friends of the Children. As a coordinator, she supported the organization’s goal to bring college within reach for their students by securing event locations for college access workshops and other engagements and creating and maintaining various processes. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Exclencia’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education resonates with me. As a first-generation college student and granddaughter of farm workers, I recognize the important role education has played in my life which is why I have spent most of my career giving back to education in some capacity. Excelencia allows me to continue to do that by helping to SERVE Latino students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia is an amazing experience. I have exceptional coworkers who are dedicated to transforming higher education. Excelencia approaches everything with integrity and passion and allows me to continue to grow professionally.

Angela Garcia Falconetti is President of Polk State College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Polk State College Angela Garcia Falconetti President Institution website: https://www.polk.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.polk.edu/people/angela-garcia-falconetti/ Angela Garcia Falconetti is President of Polk State College and part of Excelencia in Action network.