Programs to Watch
During the annual Examples of Excelencia review, Excelencia recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made a positive impact on the success of Latino, and all, students and are growing evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. By bringing attention to these programs, we encourage institutions, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to keep an eye out as they continue to grow.
2026
This year, Excelencia recognizes innovative Programs to Watch from colleges, universities, and organizations across the country for their growing impact on Latino, and all, student success. These programs demonstrate evidence-based approaches that expand educational opportunity and improve Latino, and all, student outcomes in the areas of Career & Workforce, Student Support, Teaching & Learning, and AI Innovation.
These Programs to Watch advance Latino, and all, student success through culturally responsive practices, workforce preparation, academic and transfer pathways, family and community engagement, faculty and institutional development, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Through intentional, evidence-based practices, these programs demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for Latino, and all, students while continuing to strengthen their data collection and evaluation efforts to further demonstrate their impact.
Excelencia invites you to explore the 2026 Programs to Watch and discover how these innovative initiatives are helping institutions better serve Latino students while creating stronger outcomes for all learners.
Learn about the 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists and their efforts to increase student success.
CAREER & WORKFORCE:
Advanced Manufacturing | Austin Community College District (TX)
Institution/Organization: Austin Community College District
Location: Austin, TX
Area of Impact: Academic Program
Program Focus: Adult Learners, Other, Workforce Training
Year Started: 2022
Website: https://dmcat.austincc.edu/advanced-manufacturing/
Overview:
The Advanced Manufacturing program expands educational access by providing flexible pathways for working adults to earn industry-recognized credentials and prepare for high-demand careers. Committed to serving students from all backgrounds, with a strong focus on the growing Latino community, the program equips graduates with the skills needed for successful employment while strengthening the local workforce and supporting regional economic growth.
TEACHING & LEARNING:
Family and Education, the Future of a Nation | AVE Frontera (TX)
Institution/Organization: AVE Frontera
Location: Weslaco, TX
Area of Impact: Retention
Program Focus: Faculty Development, Family Engagement
Year Started: 2022
Website: https://www.avefrontera.org/
Overview:
The Family-Centered STEM Education Program transforms undergraduate STEM learning by engaging families as active partners in student success. Through community engagement, authentic dialogue, and culturally responsive practices, the program strengthens student belonging, retention, and academic achievement, particularly among Latino, first-generation, and low-income students. By preparing faculty, expanding family engagement, and creating inclusive learning environments, the program supports student success, workforce readiness, and stronger connections between families, higher education, and the community.
STUDENT SUPPORT:
Dual Degree Program | Governors State University (IL)
Institution/Organization: Governors State University
Location: University Park, IL
Area of Impact: Transfer
Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship
Year Started: 2011
Website: https://www.govst.edu/ddp/
Overview:
The Dual Degree Program (DDP) creates a seamless pathway for transfer students from Illinois community colleges by providing academic, financial, and personal support from the associate degree through bachelor's degree completion. With a focus on first-generation, Pell-eligible, and underserved students, including the growing Latino community, the program helps students stay on track, minimize debt, and achieve their educational goals through proactive advising, clear degree pathways, and financial support.
Hispanic Student College Institute | Montclair State University (NJ)
Institution/Organization: Montclair State University
Location: Montclair, NJ
Area of Impact: Access
Program Focus: College Prep, Mentoring
Year Started: 2007
Website: https://www.montclair.edu/hispanic-initiatives/hispanic-student-college-institute-hsci/
Overview:
The Hispanic Student College Institute (HSCI) prepares high-achieving, historically underserved students, especially those from Latino communities, for college success through academic, cultural, and family-centered support. By promoting college readiness, increasing access to higher education, and providing mentorship and guidance, HSCI empowers students to navigate the college journey with confidence while fostering long-term academic success and family engagement.
AI INNOVATION:
Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation | Long Beach City College (CA)
Institution/Organization: Long Beach City College
Location: Long Beach, CA
Area of Impact: Academic Program
Program Focus: Workforce/Discipline
Year Started: 2025
Overview:
Long Beach City College's Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation program prepares Latino and all students to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Through accessible, workforce-aligned courses and hands-on learning, students build technical and ethical AI competencies while exploring real-world applications of emerging technologies. As one of California's first community college AI programs, it expands access to AI education, supports career readiness, and creates pathways to continued learning through the proposed Associate in Science in Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation.
Inclusive AI Framework for Instructional and Service Program Review and Planning | Coastline College (CA)
Institution/Organization: Coastline College
Location: Fountain Valley, CA
Area of Impact: Academic Program
Program Focus: Faculty Development, Institutional Effectiveness and Equity-Minded Planning
Year Started: 2023
Overview:
The Inclusive AI Framework empowers faculty, classified professionals, and managers to use institutional data in more meaningful, accessible, and actionable ways. By combining artificial intelligence with an equity-focused, Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) lens, the framework supports evidence-informed decision-making, identifies opportunity gaps, and strengthens program review and planning. Designed to promote reflection and continuous improvement, it helps advance culturally responsive strategies that improve outcomes for Latino and all students.
Miami Dade College AI Clinics | Miami Dade College(FL)
Institution/Organization: Miami Dade College
Location: Miami, FL
Area of Impact: Access
Program Focus: Adult Learners & Faculty Development
Year Started: 2022
Website: https://ce.mdc.edu/contentManagement.do?method=load&code=CM000075
Overview:
The Miami Dade College AI Clinics provide accessible, hands-on AI training for working professionals and small business owners, with a focus on expanding opportunities for Latino learners and other underserved communities. As the nation's first Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Regional Hub for AI education, MDC equips participants with practical AI skills that enhance productivity, support business innovation, and strengthen workforce readiness. Through short-term, applied learning and industry-recognized credential pathways, the clinics help participants build the knowledge and confidence to succeed in the AI-driven economy.