Examples of Excelencia
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. These programs exemplify what is possible when leaders and practitioners intentionally serve students on their journey to and through college.
Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2.2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the country.
2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists and Programs to Watch
Excelencia recognized 11 Examples of Excelencia finalists and seven Programs to Watch in 2026.
Looking to connect with 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.
2026 Examples of Excelencia Announced
Excelencia in Education announces the 2026 Examples of Excelencia. After a rigorous review process, three programs are recognized as national exemplars of evidence-based practices that improve student success in higher education. These programs demonstrate how student-centered, culturally responsive approaches can expand opportunity, promote persistence and completion, and create effective pathways to economic mobility.
Learn about the 2026 Examples of Excelencia:
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Spanish for Global Health and Human Services, University of Texas at Arlington (Career and Workforce)
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College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI), Portland Community College (Student Support)
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The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program, University of Texas at Arlington (Teaching and Learning)
Expand Your Knowledge about Examples of Excelencia
What works to improve the success of Latino, and all, students in higher education?
For more than 20 years, Examples of Excelencia has been the only national, data-driven effort to identify, recognize, and promote programs with evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success amongst all served and, by doing so, facilitating access to excellence for all students.
How can evidence-based programs increase student success?
Evidence-based programs can increase student success by implementing practices that intentionally address students’ needs, build on their strengths, and support their academic journey from persistence through completion and beyond. These practices can help students navigate barriers, stay on track toward their goals, and access opportunities for continued education and career advancement.
Through data and storytelling, Excelencia highlights how programs demonstrate student success in ways unique to each program, demonstrating what intentionally serving Latino, and all, students looks like at institutions and community-based organizations across the country.
How can I find programs having a positive impact on student success?
These are two key ways to find the programs we have recognized:
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Explore evidence-based practices in action. Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action - 2024 highlights 35 programs recognized through Examples of Excelencia that use culturally responsive, asset-based approaches to intentionally serve Latino and other post-traditional students across five key areas.
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Connect with us to find more programs. Looking for additional evidence-based programs? We can help! Contact us by email or complete this short form to connect with our team.
How does Excelencia find programs intentionally SERVING Latino, and all, students?
Identifying and sharing what works to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students is central to Excelencia’s work. Across our programming, research, and policy analysis, we elevate evidence-based practices that support student success and inform institutional and policy efforts. This work includes recognizing programs and efforts making a positive impact through Examples of Excelencia and the Seal of Excelencia.
To learn more about Examples of Excelencia and its review process, visit the submission portal.
How do I get started with Examples of Excelencia?
Ready to share your program’s story with a national audience for the 2027 Examples of Excelencia? Reach out to the Institutional Practices team today to learn more about capacity-building opportunities for practitioners.