Four science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives were named Excelencia in Education programs during the 17th annual recognition event last fall. The programs stood out among 93 submissions and 20 finalists for their efforts to advance Latino student success in education and the workforce.
The 2022 Examples of Excelencia are Latino Promise and HACER Programs at Fairleigh Dickinson University (Associate level); the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research at The University of Puerto Rico – Cayey (Baccalaureate level); Master of Science in Environmental Science program at The University of Texas at San Antonio (Graduate level); and Post-Secondary Initiatives of Esperanza, Inc. in Cleveland, OH (Community-based Organization).
The 2022 Examples of Excelencia were selected as replicable models of cultural responsiveness and evidence-based programming by a committee of diverse leaders in higher education.
“It is important to celebrate what is working for Latino students on campuses and at community-based organizations in front of a national audience of practitioners, funders, and policymakers,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education. “Now, we invite these stakeholders to join us by investing in and learning from the evidence-based practices improving Latino college completion and ensure that more students receive the support to reach their educational goals.”
The recognized programs implement practices cultivating a deep sense of what it means to belong in the academic world as a Latino, dismantling barriers to access, and leaving a resounding impact not only on individual students but on the future of their communities.
Examples of Excelencia is the only national effort recognizing evidence-based programs accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 1,900 program submissions of what works for Latino students. Programs selected annually as finalists are included in Excelencia’s online and searchable Growing What Works Database.
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.
Excelencia has published over 100 analyses, highlighted over 385 programs across the country to advance effective, evidence-based practices, and distributed more than $2 million to promote programs producing results for Latino students. 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.
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