The path to higher education success has many obstacles and barriers for Latinos across the U.S. The mission of Excelencia in Education, founded in 2004 by Dr. Deborah A. Santiago and Sarita E. Brown, is to advance Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies and advancing institutional practices.
To earn the Seal of Excelencia a college or university must demonstrate an intentional, institutional focus on advancing Latino student success by aligning data and practice. There must be deliberate and continuous assessment to identify and implement strategies that improve Latino student achievement. Institutional leadership must show a commitment to transformation and creating an environment in which Latino students thrive. Lastly, a college or university’s commitment must be sustained over time.
“There are 600 institutions that have hit the HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) moniker, which means 25% undergraduate FTE (full-time equivalent),” says Santiago. “Another 412 that are emerging HSIs. That’s 1,000 institutions that are enrolling Hispanic students. The importance of the Seal of Excelencia is that the focus is not just on enrolling these students; it’s an intention of serving them and graduating them.
"The Seal as an independent certification process really helps to verify and validate that these institutions are going beyond enrollment to intentionally serving Hispanic students,” she adds. “For employers that are looking to distinguish those that are really serving the population they need for the workforce and for students that are looking to institutions that are going to meet them where they’re at and help them earn a degree that they want to support their families and communities, the Seal certified institutions stand out.”
Colleges and universities that have received the Seal of Excelencia enroll 17% of Latino students in the U.S. and graduate 19%. “These are the institutions that can show you with their data, with their evidence-based practices and with their leadership what they’re doing,” says Santiago. “They are taking responsibility and raising standards.”
California State University, East Bay
Dr. Cathy Sandeen
Almost 60% of California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), students are transfers, and their needs are taken into account. Incoming transfer students can enroll in courses early to guarantee that they have access to coursework. Necessary support is provided through GANAS (Gaining Access ’AND Academic Success), an innovative access and retention program that serves community college transfer students.
The needs of freshmen are also carefully considered, with INSPIRE (Incoming Student Program for Inclusion, Retention and Excellence) as well as student support programs like EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) and EXCEL, which create strong networks of support. There are financial support programs, including emergency grants, technology loaner programs and device voucher support, which provide students with necessary in-time financial support. The CSUEB Pathfinders Institute is dedicated to enhancing culturally relevant professional development through an intensive two-week program for faculty teaching critical first-year courses.
