Unlocking Opportunities for Latino Students
The recent executive order by President Joe Biden has brought a sense of optimism among higher education advocates in Latino communities. This new federal effort is designed to support hundreds of local colleges and universities, specifically Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), which have been instrumental in promoting equality in educational and economic opportunities.
What Makes HSIs So Important?
Hispanic-serving institutions are not-for-profit schools with a full-time equivalent undergraduate student enrollment that is at least a quarter Hispanic. These institutions play a critical role in ensuring Latinos have access to the middle class and can fulfill their aspirations, according to White House officials.
The significance of HSIs lies in their ability to provide high-quality education, benefit from federal programs, and increase the educational and economic mobility of their students. With Hispanics accounting for almost three-quarters of the nation's population gain, as per U.S. Census Bureau population estimates from 2022 to 2023, higher education leaders are urging the president to spread the word about the new initiative.
A Pipeline to STEM Fields
These institutions are critical in widening the pipeline of Latinos going into STEM fields, according to White House officials. HSIs