Have you ever heard of Excelencia in Education? It’s not just a cliche, but an actual Washington D.C. think tank founded in 2004 with a primary mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. Every year, this non-profit organization blesses select colleges and universities with its distinguished “Seal of Excelencia” award, which insures that each institution offers a curriculum in the best interests of Hispanic students, in edition to their specific needs.
These schools stretch from coast to coast, and represent the best of four year universities to community colleges that cater to working Latinos and young parents, who can take advantage of unique family services and day care. El Paso Community College, with an estimated 25,000 students, is 85% Hispanic and a leader in the latter category. Two other Texas colleges in Austin and McAllen are also at the top of that list. But you might be surprised at the number of prestigious universities that made the “A-team” for the first time last year.
The new “Seal of Excelencia” schools that beckon Latinos include University of Arizona in Tucson (pictured) and Arizona State in Tempe, the University of Texas at El Paso, Florida International University in Miami and the University of California-Santa Cruz. Mercy College in New York City is the first private institution to earn the seal, and financial assistance is available.
While the pandemic appears to be behind us, the economy is still uncertain and education is important. That’s why during Hispanic Heritage Month, I felt the urge to spread this news. For more information, please access the Excelencia in Education website.
