The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education - Summer 2021 by Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION

VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 2 | SUMMER 2021

HACU-Member Institutions Celebrate Graduates

NATIONAL HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS WEEK SEPTEMBER 13-19, 2021 Each year, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) calls on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to join in observance of National HSIs Week. This week recognizes the 569 HSIs throughout the nation for their work and critical role in educating and empowering Hispanic youth. This year, HSIs Week will take place Sept. 13-19, 2021, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.

Celebrating HSIs Week Below are some suggestions of how colleges and universities can celebrate HSIs Week:

HSIs Week is observed by colleges and universities across the nation. Social media, virtual events and campus activities are encouraged to heighten awareness of the important role HSIs play in improving access to education and advancing equity for traditionally underserved students. Plans are underway for several members of Congress to recognize the contributions of HSIs in their communities. 1. Raise awareness - Partner with your local newspaper or radio station to advertise National HSIs Week and the events sponsored by your institution. This increased visibility can highlight the contributions made by HSIs on a local, national and international scale. Mention your membership with HACU. 2. Host a campus forum - Organize a town hall meeting with students, faculty, staff and community leaders to explore issues of particular interest to the HSI community. 3. Organize a community-wide activity Build and promote campus-community partnerships to address various issues impacting the local community.

4. Use social media - Share your HSI stories and/ or how your institution plans to celebrate National HSIs Week. Have your president share a video clip on the importance of HSIs. Tag @HACUNews on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Use hashtag #HSIs #HSIsWeek 5. Showcase your students - Arrange for your institution’s choir, band, cheerleading squad to perform during National HSIs Week. You may also highlight the week during a sporting event any day that week. 6. Celebrate National HSIs Week in a way unique to your institution.

Stay Connected with @HACUNews #HSIs #HSIsWeek H I S P A N I C

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TABLEOFCONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION VOLUME 30 | NUMBER 2 | SUMMER 2021 The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education is published quarterly by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, 8415 Datapoint Drive, Suite 400, San Antonio, Texas 78229. The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education reserves the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. We are not responsible for returning any unsolicited materials such as photos, brochures, etc. We also reserve the right to refuse publication of any unsolicited material. Publisher Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D. HACU President and CEO Interim Senior Vice President for Programs and Operations Alicia Martinez Editor Norma Jean Revilla-García njgarcia@hacu.net Assistant editor/writer Chris de Hoyos chris.dehoyos@hacu.net

HACU NEWS 3 CAPITOL HILL NEWS

HACU HOSTS VIRTUAL 26TH NATIONAL CAPITOL FORUM ON HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION

HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS ACROSS THE NATION TOTAL 569

MEMBER NEWS

News and photos courtesy of HACU-Member Institutions

SPECIAL SECTION: HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES GOVERNING BOARD 2020-21

COMMENCEMENT NEWS AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF HACU-MEMBER INSTITUTIONS

EXPOSURE, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, AND EXTENSION: POSITONING UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 15

Monte E. Pérez, Chair President Los Angeles Mission College Sylmar, Calif.

Olga Hugelmeyer Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Public Schools Elizabeth, N.J.

Sue Henderson, Vice-Chair President New Jersey City University Jersey City, N.J.

Joe Mella Finance Division Goldman Sachs New York, N.Y.

Margaret Venable, Treasurer President Dalton State College Dalton, Ga.

Juan Sánchez Muñoz Chancellor University of California, Merced Merced, Calif.

TLU STEM RESEARCH PROJECT HONORS CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE CLASSROOM

Mike Flores, Secretary Chancellor Alamo Colleges District San Antonio, Texas

David Méndez Pagán Rector Universidad Ana G. Méndez Recinto de Gurabo Gurabo, Puerto Rico

CREATING A MORE INFORMED SOCIETY STARTS IN THE CLASSROOM

CCA TITLE V ASEGURANDO PROGRAM

STUDENT NEWS

Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Past Chair Greg Peterson Chancellor President The City University of New York Chandler-Gilbert Community New York, N.Y. College Chandler, Ariz. Michael D. Amiridis Chancellor Garnett S. Stokes University of Illinois at Chicago President Chicago, Ill. The University of New Mexico Adela de la Torre Albuquerque, N.M. President Andrew Sund San Diego State University President San Diego, Calif. Heritage University Toppenish, Wash. Howard Gillman Chancellor Federico Zaragoza University of California, Irvine President Irvine, Calif. College of Southern Nevada Emma Grace Hernández Flores Las Vegas, Nev. President Universidad de Iberoamérica Ex-Officio: San José, Costa Rica Antonio R. Flores President and CEO HACU

CONTACTING HACU HACU National Headquarters 8415 Datapoint Drive, Suite 400 San Antonio, TX 78229 Tel: (210) 692-3805 Fax: (210) 692-0823 Website: www.hacu.net Email: hacu@hacu.net

Subscription Rates:

The subscription rate for nonmembers of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is $35 for one year and $50 for two years. For members, the rate is $28 for one year and $40 for two years. Information and subscription available at www.hacu.net.

ABOUT HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. The mission of HACU is to champion hispanic success in higher education. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.

HACU Washington D.C. Office One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 430 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 833-8361 Fax: (202) 261-5082 Email: dcgr@hacu.net

HACU National Internship Program One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 430 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 467-0893 Fax: (202) 496-9177 Email: hnip@hacu.net

HACU Western Regional Office 1107 9th Street, Suite 830 Sacramento, CA 95814 Tel: (916) 442-0392 Fax: (916) 446-4028 Email: wro@hacu.net

Log on to www.hacu.net for the latest up-to-date news and special events. SUMMER 2021

MESSAGEFROMTHEPRESIDENT

his summer issue of "The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education" highlights commencement ceremonies across the country, after a challenging year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is uplifting to see institutions celebrate the great accomplishments of their graduates through modified in-person and virtual ceremonies. HACU congratulates all faculty and staff that ensured students stayed on their path to graduation, despite having to overcome enormous challenges during this unprecedented time. We also give a special welcome to all our new members and new presidents and CEOs of higher education institutions that are featured in the “Member News” section. Additionally, we are delighted to share that two fellows from HACU’s Leadership Academy, La Academia de Liderazgo, are among those taking on new leadership roles at colleges and universities.

HACU’s Legislative Agenda was released earlier this year, prior to our most important legislative event, our 26th Annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, held virtually April 13-14, 2021. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona joined the event and discussed the higher education priorities of the Department, including policies affecting HSIs. We extend our warmest thanks to everyone who participated, the sponsors and supporters from the government, business and nonprofit sectors for their contributions to making this the highestattended Capitol Forum. In April, HACU released the latest data on the growth of Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the nation A synopsis is included in this issue, along with some HSI quick facts. We hope these resources will help colleges and universities stay actively involved and engaged in advocacy. Please use these facts during your visits with members of Congress and to help raise awareness about HSIs. Please also plan on promoting the importance of HSIs during National HSIs week on Sept. 13-19, 2021. See the inside front cover for details and ideas on how your campus can participate. Four institutions that are making a positive impact for students with their federal HSIs grants are also featured in this issue. Texas State University and Texas A&M University are using funding to improve academic and professional success in agricultural sciences for underrepresented students. Texas Lutheran University is helping to build capacity for student success in science and math. California State University, Monterey Bay is working towards understanding the best methodology for teaching introductory statistics and data science to inspire career entry into the field. The Community College of Aurora is focusing on ways to democratize the classroom by developing inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogical practices. Please continue sending your HSI grant student success stories to news@hacu.net. Finally, we commend all of your colleges and universities for tirelessly working to respond and adapt to the constantly changing realities of the past year. HACU wholeheartedly supports your work through our advocacy and the many programs available to your campus community. Additionally, our activities and events continuously look to highlight best practices in the education, recruitment and retention of Hispanic students, and we hope you will join us for our Annual Conference, Oct. 25-27, 2021. Cordially,

Antonio R. Flores President and CEO

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

HACUNEWS HACU Annual Conference workshops announced, virtual format Oct. 25-27, 2021 HACU announced more than 50 workshops will be offered virtually under the theme, “35 Years of Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success,” as part of its 35th Annual Conference, taking place virtually, October VIRTUAL 25-27, 2021. A separate student track will be offered for undergraduate students under HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, taking place Oct. 24-27. Special features of the conference will include the following: Opening Plenary with HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores who will deliver the State of HACU, an International Plenary and a Town Hall. HACU will also recognize honorees that have contributed to improving opportunities for college students. A virtual exhibitor experience will also be included. The regular lineup of pre- and post-conference events will include: The 20th Annual Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute, Oct. 20; Seventh PreK-12/Higher Education Collaboration Symposium, Oct. 21; and the 10th Annual Deans› Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, Oct. 28. Registration for HACU’s 35th Annual Conference and pre- and postconference events is available at hacu.net. Advertising, Exhibitor, and Sponsorship opportunities are available. Special thanks to all 35th Annual Conference sponsors. Visit hacu.net.

HACU collaborating with HSIs to develop a shared national vision on graduate degree attainment for Hispanic students HACU has partnered with the University of California, Santa Barbara and The University of Arizona on a grant project designed to strengthen pathways for more Hispanic students to pursue graduate education in STEM at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. More than 135 participants from HSIs participated in collaborative workshops to discuss the topic. The collaborative grant project includes a national effort with HSIs to develop a framework to strengthen and expand the STEM talent pipeline at HSIs. This initiative includes participation from various sectors, from community colleges to research intensive universities and STEM-related industry partners, to effectively increase Hispanic graduate degrees in the STEM fields in order to meet the national workforce needs. Faculty members from the graduate division and faculty administrative leaders who actively promote graduate STEM education at their campus are among those that were invited to participate in the project. The participants met virtually for a two-day session on June 17-18, 2021, and June 29-30, 2021. The goal of the project is to lay the groundwork for a network of regional alliances anchored by research-intensive HSIs across the country. The project is funded by a National Science Foundation INCLUDES Planning Grant. The principal investigator of the grant is John Moder, Ph.D., senior consultant for STEM programming at HACU. The coprincipal investigators are: Marla A. Franco, Ph.D., The University of Arizona, and Barbara Endemaño Walker, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara.

HACU partners with NIH to promote "All of Us" Research Program "All of Us" is working to improve health care through research. Unlike research studies that focus on one disease or group of people, "All of Us" is building a diverse database that can inform thousands of studies on a variety of health conditions. This creates more opportunities to: • Know the risk factors for certain diseases • Figure out which treatments work best for people of different backgrounds • Connect people with the right clinical studies for their needs • Learn how technologies can help us take steps to be healthier HACU has partnered with the National Institutes of Health to promote the "All of Us" Research Program. The program is a historic effort to collect medical data from one million or more people living in the United States. The goal of the program is better health for all of us. The program began national enrollment in 2018 and is expected to last at least 10 years. The "All of Us "Research Program is publicly funded, with resources appropriated each year by the U.S. Congress. The 21st Century Cures Act, passed in December 2016, authorized a total of $1.5 billion over ten years for the program.

To join the "All of Us" Research Program you must be over the age of 18 and living in the United States. Participants who take part in the program will answer surveys on different topics and may be asked to submit other health information. The health information that participants share with "All of Us" will go into a secure database. Researchers all over the world can apply to use this data to study many different health conditions. This may lead to better treatments and ways to prevent disease. For more information about the National Institutes of Health "All of Us" Research program, visit www.joinallofus.org. SUMMER 2021

HACUNEWS HACU and Denny’s award scholarships to five students HACU is pleased to announce that five students from HACUmember institutions were the recipients of scholarships awarded through the 2020-21 Denny’s Hungry for Education program. HACU was one of five leading nonprofit minority advocacy organizations who partnered with Denny’s to offer scholarships. The awardees submitted essays on how Denny’s can impact childhood hunger in the United States. The following students were selected to receive $2,000 scholarship: • Tanya Acosta - California State University, Fresno • Amanda Arroyo - Alverno College • Thaimary Cabrera - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico • Christina Marquez - Central New Mexico Community College • Alejandro Padilla - The University of Texas at Arlington Denny’s hosted the second-annual Denny’s Hungry for Education Virtual Winners’ Celebration honoring all its 2020–2021 scholarship winners. The Denny’s Hungry for Education Scholarships were part of the 2020-21 HACU Scholarship Program.

HACU partners on a special screening of "In the Heights" and roundtables

HACU and Warner Bros. Pictures partnered to offer two special early screenings of "In the Heights" for college students on April 15, 2021. The screenings were followed by a conversation with LinManuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría-Hudes, Leslie Grace & Corey Hawkins and special appearances by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Several students from HACU’s Leaders-in-Residence program participated in a virtual roundtable discussion with the cast from "In the Heights." The movie premiered on June 11, 2021.

Café Bustelo® El Café del Futuro Scholarship to award $125,000 in scholarships HACU is once again partnering with Café Bustelo® to award twenty-five $5,000 El Café del Futuro Scholarships. Since 2016, $340,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to 68 Hispanic students nationwide through the partnership. To apply, students must complete the online application located on the HACU website and write an essay in English or Spanish, in 800 words or less, responding to the following topic: Describe how your Latino heritage, family and the community in which you grew up have impacted your desire and motivation to obtain a college degree. Additionally, describe what you intend to accomplish with your degree and how you will give back to your community. The scholarship opportunity is available to undergraduate and graduate students of all majors who are enrolled full-time at a four year HACU-member institution, are 18 years old or older, of Hispanic/Latino descent and U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. The deadline to submit applications is July 5, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. For scholarship guidelines, visit hacu.net. The Café Bustelo® El Café del Futuro Scholarship is part of the 2021-22 HACU Scholarship Program.

HACU releases 2020 Annual Report In the Annual Report letter, HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and HACU Governing Board, Chair and President of Los Angeles Mission College, Monte E. Pérez provided an overview of accomplishments by the Association: “Much like everyone else in the country and across the world, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities faced the challenges of working remotely while mitigating the dangers of COVID-19. The majority of the Association’s events after March 2020 became virtual, and programs involving students were changed in structure and approach to ensure the safety of all participants of internships, summits, and workshops.” The Annual Report highlights HACU's activities supported by staf in its National Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, and regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

HACUNEWS HACU awards 25 students Rising Líderes of San Antonio COVID-19 mobility grants HACU has awarded 25 mobility grants as part of the Rising Líderes of San Antonio COVID-19 initiative. The one-time $1,000 grants were made to college students attending HACU-member institutions within San Antonio, Texas and who were in need of emergency relief due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 300 students from HACU-member institutions who demonstrated needs in the categories of food, housing, transportation, technology and dependent care applied for the Rising Líderes of San Antonio COVID-19 Grants. Students from the Alamo Colleges District (Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, and St. Phillip’s College), Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas A&M University-San Antonio and The University of Texas at San Antonio were among those notified of their selection. Funding for these grants was made possible by a $25,000 grant due to the selection of HACU Director of Member Services Richard Montez as the 2020 Coors Light Líder of the Year.

Miller Lite to award Hispanic students over $190,000 in scholarships with participation to HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute HACU is partnering with Miller Lite to award a total of 63 scholarships to eligible undergraduate students enrolled at HACUmember institutions in select cities and select HACU-member institutions. Fifty-five scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded to eligible college students in select cities, in the following states: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. Eight scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded to eligible college students in Houston, Texas. In addition to the scholarships, some recipients will also receive a scholarship to attend HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, the student track offered in conjunction with HACU’s Annual Conference. Miller Lite will be offering a total of 72 scholarships for the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute. The online application deadline is July 30, 2021. These scholarships are part of the 2021-22 HACU Scholarship Program.

Capitol Hill News President Joe Biden has released his proposals, the American Jobs Plan (AJP) and the American Families Plan (AFP), to invest in physical and human infrastructure. The AJP invests in children, families, and healthcare and focuses on rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and workforce while sparking innovation and manufacturing. FY 2022 Federal Budget Request President Biden released his FY 2022 Budget Proposal on May 28, 2021. The President’s request includes a grand total of $630.5 million for HispanicServing Institutions (HSIs): • U.S. Department of Education – Title V, Part A, Developing HSIs Program: $236.7 million • U.S. Department of Education – Title V, Part B, Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans: $28.8 million • U.S. Department of Education – Title III, Part F, Developing HSI STEM and Articulation Programs: $296 million • National Science Foundation – Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program): $56.5 million • U.S. Department of Agriculture – Education Grants for HSIs: $12.5 million FY 2022 Appropriations The House approved a $1.5 trillion appropriations ceiling for FY 2022 by adopting a deeming resolution. The resolution sets a total spending level for House appropriations, but it does not break out specific levels for defense and nondefense spending. This decision will be left to House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT), who plans to mark up the 12 spending bills from June 24 to July 16, 2021. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD) plans to put the spending bills on the House floor before they leave for August recess. However, policy and funding disagreements in the Homeland Security and Legislative Branch spending bills have hindered his goal of passing all 12 bills in the House in the past two years. Senate Democratic leaders have not yet indicated when or how they might start on their appropriations process. HEERF III HEERF III, authorized by the American Rescue Plan, provides $39.6 billion in support of institutions of higher education. On May 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education released $36 billion in emergency aid to public and private nonprofit institutions to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current MinorityServing Institutions Allocations tables are available online. For the latest higher education policy news impacting HSIs, visit the Advocacy Center at HACUadvocates.net. SUMMER 2021

HACU releases 2021 Legislative Agenda HACU released its Legislative Agenda for the 117th Congress to address Hispanic higher education needs as well as critical K-20 pipeline issues. HACU’s Legislative Agenda is available online.

HACU’s top priorities are: • Equitable funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions across all federal agencies. • The passage of the Hispanic Education Resources and Empowerment (HERE) Act, introduced by Congressman Joaquin Castro, which would support partnerships and collaboration between Minority-Serving Institutions and Hispanic-Serving School Districts. • The enactment of a capital financing bill to provide low-cost capital to finance improvements to the infrastructure of the nation’s HSIs. • Immigration Reform with immediate passage of the Dream Act, as a down payment on a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

HACU’S 26TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CAPITOL FORUM

FOCUSES ON EQUITABLE FUNDING FOR HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS

ACU hosted its 26th Annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education on April 13-14, 2021. This marked the second year HACU’s Capitol Forum has been held as a virtual event. The gathering drew more than 300 higher education and student advocates, a record attendance for this event. Approximately 180 individuals participated in over 100 congressional virtual meetings that spanned across 15 states, to help make the case for equitable funding support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, as part of HACU’s Legislative Agenda. Two free workshop sessions were held prior to the Capitol Forum. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities provided updates and helpful information about seeking grant funding and opportunities available for HSIs at their agencies. HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores addressed the participants and spoke about the COVID-19 pandemic and the resilience of HSIs during his welcome remarks. He emphasized the importance of advocating for HSIs and highlighted the top four legislative priorities to ask Members of Congress to support – equitable funding for HSIs, the HERE Act, a capital financing bill, and immigration reform, including the Dream Act. On the first day of the Forum, session topics included “Higher Education Priorities for the 117th Congress,” "Impact of COVID-19 on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the Congressional Response,” and “Prepping for your Congressional Visit: HACU’s Asks.” U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar addressed participants after the panel session on “Human and Capital Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities for K-12 and Higher Education: Federal Investments and Shortcomings.” 6

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona gave a special address at the end of the first day of the Forum. Secretary Cardona discussed the higher education priorities of the Department, including policies affecting HSIs. On the second day of the Forum, a “Congressional HispanicServing Institutions Policy Update “ session was held prior to the congressional visits. HACU thanks the sponsors of the Capitol Forum, Educational Testing Service (ETS) and Southwest Airlines for their generous support. Special thanks to HACU partner the National Institutes of Health "All of US" Research Program and our media partners. HACU’s 27th National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education is scheduled for April 5-6, 2022, at the Hilton Washington D.C. Capitol Hill.

Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the nation total 569 Data from 2019-20 academic year shows 30 new institutions became HSIs HACU released an analysis of the 2019-20 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) enrollment data, which shows an increase in the number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and continued growth in Hispanic student enrollment at colleges and universities. HSIs are institutions with 25 percent or more of Hispanic student enrollment. In 2019-20, HSIs made up 17% of all institutions of higher education and enrolled 67% of all Hispanic undergraduates. As a cohort, HSIs are very diverse and also enroll 41.3% of Asian American, 35.6% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 24.4% of Black, and 15.8% of non-Hispanic white students. HACU’s analysis of the 2019-20 IPEDS data used the Higher Education Act (HEA) federal definition of HSIs: nonprofit degreegranting institutions with full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate Hispanic student enrollment of at least 25%.

Findings include:

• 235 HSIs are two-year public institutions. 150 HSIs are fouryear public institutions. • 169 HSIs are four-year private institutions. 15 HSIs are two-year private institutions. • HSIs represent a total of 569 HSIs in 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, up from the 539 institutions in 2018-19. • The number of Emerging HSIs, or colleges approaching the 25% Hispanic student enrollment threshold, showed an increase of ten more institutions from the previous year, which was 352 compared to 362 in the latest data.

Some important facts about HSIs to note: • • • • • • •

HSIs enroll two-thirds of all Hispanic undergraduates. The ten states with the most HSIs collectively enroll 308,755 Hispanic students and over 1.5 million students overall. When you put together the student population at all HSIs, 46% of students are Hispanic. Since 2013, HSIs have increased on average by 29 institutions per year. California and Texas account for nearly 50 percent of all HSIs. 23 out of the 24 states that have a Hispanic undergraduate enrollment of 10 percent or more, have either an HSI or Emerging HSI. A majority of HSIs are in urban areas and are concentrated geographically, with 80% of these institutions located in six states and one territory: California, Florida, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Puerto Rico. • HSIs and Emerging HSIs are present in all but 12 states, including some less known for their Hispanic population, such as Idaho, Kansas, and Georgia.

Visit www.hacu.net. View the list of HSIs and Emerging HSIs online. Download an HSI Fact Sheet and HSI Map online. Celebrate Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, September 13-19, 2021. SUMMER 2021

MEMBERNEWS Welcome New Members As of June 15, 2021

Hispanic-Serving Institutions Colorado Mountain College (Colo.) Ottawa University Surprise Arizona (Ariz.) Sonoma County Junior College District (Calif.) Associate Member Institutions Community College of Rhode Island (R.I.) Fayetteville Technical Community College (N.C.) Northcentral University (Calif.) Rider University (N.J.) University of Pittsburgh (Pa.) Villanova University (Pa.) Partner Institutions Eckerd College (Fla.) Maria College (N.Y) International Member Institution Formato Educativo Escuela de Negocios (Spain) Faculty/Staff Affiliates Dr. Larry Rivera Chapa, Texas State University (Texas) Maggie Cordero, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (Calif.) Cindy Dominguez, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (Calif.) Jennifer P. Galvez, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (Calif.) Velveth Klee, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (Calif.) Klaudia Macias, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (Calif.) Dr. Blanca Judith Martinez, Missouri State University (Mo.) Vanessa C. Solis, Hood College (Md.) Emilia Solval, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (Calif.) Dr. Gabriela C. Zapata, Texas A&M University (Texas)

California Diana Z. Rodriguez named San Bernardino Community College District chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez, president of San Bernardino Valley College, has been appointed San Bernardino Community College District chancellor. With more than 30 years in higher education, she will become the community college district’s second female chancellor and the only Latina chancellor of a community college district in Southern California. Rodriguez has two master’s degrees from Califoria State University, San Bernardino and is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education Leadership at Northcentral University. She will assume her new duties as Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District on Aug. 1, 2021.

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

HACU fellow, Saúl JiménezSandoval, appointed president of California State University, Fresno The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees appointed Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Ph.D. to serve as the ninth president of California State University, Fresno after having served as interim president. Previously he served as Fresno’s provost and vice president of academic affairs and served as the university's chief academic officer. Jiménez-Sandoval received his doctorate from the University of California, Irvine and has a professional certificate from Cornell University’s School of Critical Theory. He is a fellow of the 2019-2020 inaugural cohort of HACU’s Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, a one-year program designed to prepare the next generation of culturally diverse leaders for executive and senior level positions in higher education. California State University, Fresno is a founding institution of the program

Texas Loren J. Blanchard confirmed as UHD president The University of Houston System Board of Regents approved Loren James Blanchard, Ph.D., to become the seventh president to lead the University of Houston-Downtown. Prior to this appointment he served as executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at California State University (CSU). He holds a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University, a master’s degree in education from McNeese State University, and a doctorate in education psychology from the University of Georgia. He assumed office on March 15, 2021.

HACU fellow, Mario Torres named next dean of UTSA College of Education and Human Development

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) announced the selection of Mario Torres, professor of educational administration and human resource development at Texas A&M University, as the dean of the College of Education and Human Development and President’s Distinguished Professor. He begins his duties August 1. Torres earned his doctorate in educational administration from Penn State. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in music studies and a master’s degree in educational leadership from UTSA. In 2020, he was selected as a fellow for the second cohort of HACU’s Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, which seeks to increase the number of individuals who aspire to leadership positions at the executive and senior levels of Hispanic Serving Institutions and emerging HSIs.

COMMENCEMENT NEWS SECTION

MEMBERNEWS

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021 A snapshot of graduation ceremonies at HACU-member institutions across the nation.

California Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles celebrates graduates

On May 10-11, 2021, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, held four commencement ceremonies in a unique “drive-in” style ceremony. Each graduate had two carloads of guests and had the opportunity to walk across the stage and be recognized for their amazing accomplishments during a challenging year.

Stanislaus State celebrates over 3,000 graduates

SBA Admistrator Isabella Guzman addresses La Verne University graduates

Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Isabella Guzman addressed graduates as part of the University of Laverne’s commencement. Guzman addressed the 560 spring 2021 graduates of the College of Business and Public Management during their virtual commencement on May 29. Separate ceremonies were held that day for each of the university’s four colleges, with a total of 1,327 graduates.

RCCD colleges continue to graduate a higher percentage of hispanic students

Stanislaus State hosted six outdoor ceremonies for the class of 2021 over three days for the University’s 61st Commencement. Stan State celebrated 3,051 graduates from the 2020-2021 academic year.

San Jose City College graduates more than 400

administrators cheered them on.

On May 21, 2021, San Jose City College celebrated the classes of 2020 and 2021 and honored 100 years of serving Silicon Valley, CA. More than 400 graduates and their families participated in a halfmile long caravan as waves of faculty, students, staff, and

Riverside Community College District colleges enrolled 38,255 Hispanic students — 61 percent. In 2021, Hispanic students earned 56% of the awarded associate degrees/certificates at Moreno Valley College. At Norco College, Hispanic students encompassed 39% of degree and certificate recipients. Meanwhile, the graduating class at RCC comprised of 3,464 students of which 2,498 identified as Hispanic (72% of the class).

SUMMER 2021

MEMBERNEWS UC Riverside graduates participate in modified in-person commencement celebration

Florida FIU hosts in-person graduation ceremony

The University of California Riverside celebrated the class of 2021 with celebrations from June 3-14. More than 4,400 students signed up to participate in these events including close to 900 students from the class of 2020.

This spring Florida International University returned to in-person commencement ceremonies after going virtual in 2020. At FIU where over 66% of the student population is Hispanic, the graduation rate for Hispanic students is higher than the overall graduation rate.

UC Santa Cruz hosts 2021 commencement

Illinois UIC celebrates 2021 commencement

University of California Santa Cruz commencement festivities blended online ceremonies with in-person gatherings allowing a chance for graduates to cross a stage on campus with their caps, gowns, and tassels while loved ones cheered them on. An online ceremony was also held for those not attending in person. Approximately 2,800 undergraduate students and 260 graduate students applied to graduate this spring.

CSUDH celebrates the class of 2021 California State University, Dominguez Hills held commencement events for both the classes of 2020 and 2021 in a series of commencement ceremonies held in late May. Toro graduates were recognized individually on large video screens, and the events were live streamed worldwide.

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The University of Illinois Chicago honored more than 6,000 graduates with virtual commencement ceremonies and in-person graduation experiences. All spring, summer and fall 2020 graduates and all spring 2021 graduates were invited to attend the in-person experiences where guests witnessed special moments as graduates crossed the stage as their names were called.

ECC hosts virtual graduation ceremonies for more than 850 graduates Elgin Community College held three virtual ceremonies for the spring 2021 graduating classes. ECC President David Sam, Ph.D., JD, LLM, will deliver the commencement address for all ceremonies.

COMMENCEMENT NEWS SECTION

MEMBERNEWS

Rick Najera addresses graduates at Morton College commencement ceremony

Nevada CSN graduates record number of students

Morton College hosted three separate, socially distanced, inperson commencement ceremonies for the class of 2021 on May 2122. Award-winning writer, actor, producer, Rick Najera, was the guest speaker at Morton College’s 96th annual Commencement ceremonies. Najera addressed graduates and spoke on themes such as diversity, entertainment and motivation.

The College of Southern Nevada graduated its largest class ever at its 49th annual commencement ceremony on May 15, 2021. A record 3,882 students were eligible to receive 4,002 degrees and certificates. Nearly one in four students in this year’s graduating class were first in their families to earn a college degree.

North Park University holds inperson outdoor ceremony and virtual commencement

Nevada State college celebrates largest graduating class in school history

North Park University’s commencements culminated at an in-person outdoor diploma presentation ceremony on May 8, 2021. The outdoor diploma ceremony held on the field of the University’s Holmgren Athletic Complex, conferred 447 degrees upon 445 graduates, with 293 of those undergraduate and 154 graduated degrees.

Massachusetts Northern Essex Community College celebrates the class of 2021

Nevada State College celebrated its largest graduating class in school history in 2021. Of the 764 graduates, six were recipients of the TheDream.US scholarship, which offers full-ride scholarship opportunities for undocumented, DREAMers, DACA, and TPS students. Nevada State alumna, Astrid Silva ’17, gave the commencement address and was awarded a President’s Medal for her integral role in bringing the TheDream.US scholarship to the school.

New Mexico ENMU-Roswell celebrates 75th commencement ceremony

Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill and Lawrence, MA) had five socially distanced commencement ceremonies in May, organized by academic area. Each featured a student speaker, and three of the five speakers, were recent immigrants from the Dominican Republic, including Vladimir Ventura, Paola Sierra De Valerio, and Rosanna Lara.

Eastern New Mexico UniversityRoswell recognized spring graduates with a virtual ceremony on May 7, 2021. ENMU-Roswell President Shawn Powell, Ph.D, presided over the ceremony. More than 160 certificates and associate degrees were awarded this semester.

SUMMER 2021

MEMBERNEWS New Jersey Wes Moore CEO of Robin Hood gives commencement address at Hudson County Community College

Hudson County Community College honored graduates with a combination of virtual and in-person 2021 Commencement celebrations. Wes Moore, entrepreneur, veteran, best-selling author, and CEO of Robin Hood delivered the keynote address.

Community College celebrates class of 2021 with virtual ceremony On May 13, 2021, Bergen Community College held a virtual ceremony for the class of 2021. President Eric M. Friedman presided over the ceremony - his first as the College’s president - that recognized nearly 2,800 students. Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III and Bergen County Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Tanelli also provided remarks at commencement 2021. Retiring professor Lynda Box, Ph.D., opened the ceremony as grand marshal.

William Paterson University celebrates class of 2021 William Paterson University President Richard J. Helldobler, Ph.D., presided over the University’s virtual and in-person ceremonies for the class of 2021. Nearly 2,400 doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees were awarded. Roughly one third of the graduates are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.

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COMMENCEMENT NEWS SECTION

SEU hosts in-person commencement for class of 2021 On May 7, 2021, more than 200 students returned to the campus of Saint Elizabeth University to accept their degrees in socially distanced in-person ceremony. The institution’s 119th Commencement also represented the first to include diplomas with the University’s new name.

New York College of Mount Saint Vincent holds in-person ceremonies

The College of Mount Saint Vincent’s in-person Commencement for the Class of 2021 took place on May 21 and May 22, 2021. The socially distanced, in-person, sized-down graduation ceremonies, inviting both the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020 to walk across the stage and receive their diploma.

Head of vaccine development at Pfizer delivers Dominican College commencement address Kathrin U. Jansen, Ph.D., senior vice president and head of vaccine research and development, Pfizer Inc., delivered the Commencement Address virtually at the 67th Dominican College Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony scheduled on June 27, 2020. A total of 525 students received degrees – 74 doctoral degrees, 109 master’s degrees, 340 bachelor’s degrees, and two associate degrees.

COMMENCEMENT NEWS SECTION

Vaughn College celebrates 89th commencement

MEMBERNEWS SWAU hosts graduation for class of 2021

On May 15, 2021, Vaughn College celebrated the class of 2021 during their 89th Commencement Ceremony. Huntley A. Lawrence, acting chief operating officer and director of aviation of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey delivered the commencement address virtually to more than 200 graduates and their families.

Texas Texas A&M UniversityKingsville holds ceremonies for the class of 2020 and class of 2021 Texas A&M University-Kingsville held two commencement ceremonies for nearly a thousand 2021 graduates on May 7, 2021. An additional ceremony on May 8, 2021 honored graduates from the Class of 2020.

Texas State University celebrates the class of 2021

On May 13-14, 2021, Texas State University held six in-person commencement ceremonies for 3,900 candidates, many of whom were first-generation and Hispanic students. Candidates participated in meaningful traditions alongside their family and friends. Dr. Robert Earl Maxwell, former CEO of the St. David’s Foundation, was awarded an honorary doctoral degree. Alan Tinsley, member of The Texas State University System Board of Regents, delivered the keynote address.

On May 9, 2021, Southwestern Adventist University hosted the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2021. Ken Shaw, Ed.D., officiating the graduation ceremony for his seventh and final commencement as president of Southwestern Adventist University. Texas State Representative DeWayne Burns expressed well-wishes to the graduates through a video message. Of the 137 graduates, 44 were the first in their family to graduate and 33 have family members who previously graduated from SWAU.

OLLU holds hybrid commencement ceremonies

Our Lady of the Lake University held hybrid commencement ceremonies for spring 2021 graduates with in-person and virtual events on May 8. The Commencement Address Ceremony was followed by a drive-up Degree Conferral Ceremony. Graduates processed through the Main Building Plaza, in their vehicles, to receive their diploma, have their picture taken with President Diane E. Melby and have their degree conferred in front of the Main Building.

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SUMMER 2021

MEMBERNEWS Hundreds of Laredo College graduates return to walk at commencement ceremony

Laredo college celebrated the class of 2021 during their 74th commencement ceremony on May 7. President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., gave the commencement address to graduates during the outdoor ceremony. A total of 1,352 students were confirmed eligible to graduate, and more than 910 were conferred with a diploma.

TWU celebrates graduates at Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway

COMMENCEMENT NEWS SECTION

Virginia Marymount University holds commencement ceremony with more than 620 graduating students

On May 14-16, 2021, Marymount University offered in-person, outdoor commencement ceremonies for over 620 graduates of the class of 2021 and the class of 2020. Marymount University President Irma Becerra, Ph.D., presided over the ceremony and gave a speech to the graduates. Also speaking during the ceremonies was Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts and the vice chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Donald Graham, chairman of the board for Graham Holdings Company and former publisher of The Washington Post.

Request for student success articles

The focus of these articles should be on how grant funding has made a difference in programs offered for students on your campus. Approximately 500-word count. Please include byline. Example articles of HSI grants are those received from: • U.S. Department of Agriculture funding • U.S. Department of Education, Title III-Part F • U.S. Department of Education, Title V • National Science Foundation

Texas Woman’s University held a one-of-a-kind graduation celebration for the class of 2021. Graduates took a victory lap at Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway as part of the university’s drive-thru ceremonies. At the finish line, graduates exited their cars, crossed the checkered stripe, then hoisted diploma covers to flashing cameras. It was an exhilarating experience for more than 1,500 pandemicweary graduates and their families, who participated in this socially distanced event.

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For articles, please include college/university logo and 2-3 high resolution photos (300 dpi). Articles selected for publication will be published in AP style. For samples of previous grant success stories, visit http://bit.ly/2020TitleVSuccess. The submission deadline for the Fall 2021 Issue is Sept. 3.

Exposure, Experiential Learning, and Extension: Positioning Underrepresented Students for Academic and Professional Success in Agricultural Sciences (3eX-Ag)

By Merritt Drewery, Ph.D.

Exposure, Experiential Learning, and Extension in Agricultural Science (3eX-Ag) is funded by the USDA HSI Education Grants program and is a collaborative effort between Texas State University (TXST) and Texas A&M University (TAMU). The program is directed by Merritt Drewery, Ph.D. (PI, TXST) Ryan Anderson, Ph.D. (Co-PI, TXST), and Tyron Wickersham, Ph.D. (Co-PI, TAMU). Texas State University is a public, student-centered, Emerging Research University. It ranks as the largest public university in the Texas State University System, 5th largest in Texas, and 30th largest in the country. Texas State is home to nearly 39,000 students and an increasingly diverse campus community where ethnic minorities make up 52% of the student body, 36% of which are Hispanic. Texas State is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and ranks 14th in the nation for total bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanic students. Although our nation is currently experiencing large population growth for minorities (especially Hispanics), the number of degree recipients at the postsecondary level does not reflect this demographic shift. This ethnic disparity is evident at the bachelor’s level but especially exacerbated for advanced degrees. The 3eX-Ag program identifies and addresses two national education problems: ethnic disparity in postsecondary degree recipients and too few qualified graduates to fill requisite positions in the agriculture workforce. 3eX-Ag addresses these problems through the development of a curriculum that involves experiential learning, placement of students in extension positions with the agricultural workforce, and integration of students in a research laboratory. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 during the first two semesters of the project, excellent progress has been made with launching and conducting project activities. The first graduate student is at TAMU this summer conducting research. Students have been involved in research and have gained valuable experience that will enable them to compete effectively for graduate studies. They have been exposed to how research is conducted, e.g., literature reviews,

scientific writing, and presenting results. Several students’ papers have been accepted by North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA). Also, because of the students’ visibility and success, the project has attracted institutional support in the form of scholarships. Throughout the program’s four years, program leaders will take students on a tour of production agriculture in the Texas panhandle; send TXST graduate students to TAMU for a summer to conduct their thesis research; involve undergraduate students in research; and place students in extension opportunities.

More about 3eX-Ag Website: https://ag.txstate.edu/outreach/3eX-Ag.html

SUMMER 2021

Texas Lutheran University Senior Applied Physics and Computer Science double major Johari Dramiga ’21 working in the optics lab with Physics Department Chair Dr. Toni Sauncy. Photo credit: Dustin Wyatt

TLU STEM research project honors cultural diversity in the classroom Submitted by Texas Lutheran University “The valuable insights we gain from our work help us identify gaps in our understanding of how to make genuine and lasting impacts that improve diversity among STEM students as well increase the cultural awareness of all students,” said Sauncy.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded a $1.4 million grant to Texas Lutheran University (TLU) for the project, “Building Capacity for Student Success in Science and Math: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Professional Engagement.” As a small liberal arts college and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, TLU provides an environment where students are encouraged to value differing viewpoints and contrasting opinions, making the campus ideal for developing a program that focuses on honoring and celebrating cultural diversity within its STEM programs. Led by TLU Physics Department Chair Toni Sauncy, Ph.D., Center for Mexican American Studies Director Jennifer Mata, Ph.D., and Assistant Biology Professor Kevin Tate, Ph.D., the NSF-funded project focuses on training faculty on culturally relevant teaching methods to improve intervention efforts, increase engagement with students, and allow for more faculty-mentored research and outreach experiences. These experiences also include ways to incorporate family into the students’ academic experience. The project addresses the call to increase the numbers of underrepresented students graduating from STEM degree programs and to improve the overall academic performance and post-graduation outcome satisfaction of graduates, particularly for students from underrepresented populations. 16

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According to Sauncy, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, this funding has already made a difference. While STEM faculty started their own journey to learn about and implement culturally relevant teaching methods in classrooms and labs, students were engaged with Peer Academic Coaches (PACs). A total of eight junior- and senior-level students were trained to engage as PACs to work with an assigned group of primarily freshman students. Their goal is to provide a social construct that fosters the development of an identity as a member of the STEM community by encouraging the students within their assigned group to connect with relevant academic organizations and increase connections with faculty. With encouragement from PACs, more than 40 first- and second-year students submitted applications for the summer research component of the project, and 22 students were selected to participate in facultyled summer research. The funding has provided a foundation for a coordinated summer enrichment program, including weekly sessions on professional development and a speaker series covering a range of career options. Because of this funding, STEM at TLU has a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation for what comes next. To learn more about TLU’s STEM programs and NSF grants, visit tlu.edu.

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Deadline: September 15, 2021 awards.cies.org

CREATING A MORE INFORMED SOCIETY STARTS IN THE CLASSROOM

By Walter Ryce

ur society relies on an ever-growing torrent of data and statistics to guide our decisions and to contribute meaningfully to the workplace. It’s important to be able to understand and decipher the deluge—whether it’s statistics related to COVID-19, or polls about coming elections. To this end, California State University’s Mathematics and Statistics Department has been awarded a $600,000 grant, National Science Foundation: Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (NSF IUSE). The goal of this grant is to understand college students’ attitudes about the subjects, locate the best methodology for teaching introductory statistics and data science, inspire career entry into the field, and, in the long run, create a more data-literate society. The proposal summary begins by defining its twin subjects: statistics as “the art and science of learning with data,” and data science as the “ability to engage with data in a variety of forms and to extract actionable insights.” Alana Unfried, assistant professor in the Mathematics and Statistics Department and the grant’s principal investigator, said she and her colleagues will use the three-year grant to accomplish their goals through “a holistic approach to measuring the learning environment, including both student and instructor attitudes toward statistics and data science as well as pedagogical practices and university environments.”

Alana Unfried, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, says all of the team’s work has been virtual so far due to COVID, but they expect to work with student researchers on the grant this Fall.

This project is titled MASDER, or Motivational Attitudes in Statistics and Data Science Education Research. There is a special focus on two-year colleges, and Latinx, Black and female students who are often underrepresented in STEM fields. They expect to reach 500 instructors and 20,000 students. The resulting instruments and datasets— culled from representative samples nationwide, including at CSUMB—will be made publicly available, and may go on to impact multitudes more students across the U.S. CSUMB undergraduate students will also be employed through the grant as research assistants, doing survey design and validation, data reporting and website design. There are four co-principal investigators: Michael Posner at Villanova University, Marjorie Bond at Monmouth College, April Kerby at Winona State University, and Douglas Whitaker at Mount Saint Vincent University in Canada.

Students inside CSUMB’s Tanimura & Antle Library Photo by Blake Stocker 18

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They are coordinated in this effort to find the best teaching practices to help students become adept at deciphering data as part of a competitive workforce as well as an informed citizenry.

TITLE V ASEGURANDO PROGRAM Submitted by Community College of Aurora

he Community College of Aurora (CCA) was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2016. In order to better support the Hispanic/Latinx and Black, Indigenous, and Student of Color population, CCA applied to and received a Title V Grant to meet goals and objectives over the course of five years. The Title V “Asegurando todo el potencial de nuestros estudiantes” Grant provides funding to CCA to democratize the classroom by developing inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogical practices, as well as Learning Communities for students to thrive in. Over the past year the Title V team has worked in collaboration with English faculty and instructors, as well as student affairs personnel to meet the above objectives and our results thus far have had a positive impact on students at CCA, specifically those who have participated in our Asegurando Learning Community or redesigned English 121 sections using culturally responsive pedagogical practices. Throughout this past year we have collected data in order to evaluate and assess the impact of our Learning Community along with curriculum redesign. One specific student who was in a redesigned English 121 course stated, “I have learned that college writing is not about what someone wants from you, it is about finding and owning your craft through being

vulnerable.” Another student who also took this course shared, “I loved this class. It was the one class this semester that I always looked forward to. It gave me a place where I felt that I could use my voice.” In addition to students taking this English 121 course, they also had the opportunity to participate in our Asegurando Learning Community which consists of pairing a redesigned English 121 section with a college success course. This course is built to support students during their transition to college with both curricular and co-curricular activities. Additional advantages students receive by participating in our Leaning Community include enrollment in our textbook and laptop loaner program, access to exclusive tutoring opportunities, and the ability to apply for a $500 scholarship through their participation. One participant specifically stated, “You know, being that firstgeneration student coming in, I feel I’ve gotten more support and guidance here than anywhere else.” Lastly, as we shift into the third year of our Title V grant cycle here at CCA, our hope is to bring students to campus prior to the semester beginning as part of our Learning Community to familiarize them with the culture at CCA, so students feel prepared to tackle the upcoming semester. Our program may be new, but the work we are doing here at CCA can have long term impact on students’ overall success and development while spurring the institutional culture of supporting historically marginalized students of color. SUMMER 2021

STUDENTNEWS HACU National Internship Program welcomes summer session interns HACU welcomed college students selected to participate in its 10-week summer internship session. More than 175 students were accepted to HACU’s National Internship Program. Most summer interns are working remotely in federal paid internships, except one who is working onsite. The following agencies in the Washington, D.C., metro area and field offices throughout the country are among those providing these virtual internship opportunities to students: • Agricultural Research Service - ARS • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - APHIS • Centers for Disease Control - CDC • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDIC • Federal Reserve Board - FRB

• Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR)

• Food and Drug Administration - FDA

• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

• Food and Nutrition Service - FNS

• Office of the Director - OD

• Internal Revenue Service - IRS

• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation - PBGC

• Library of Congress

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA

• National Agricultural Statistics Service - NASS

• U.S. Agency for International Development – USAID

• National Credit Union Administration - NCUA

• U.S. Census Bureau

• National Institute of Food and Agriculture - NIFA

A list of students and their institutions is available online.

• National Science Foundation - NSF

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HACU's Premier Conference on Hispanic Higher Education HACU 35th Annual Conference October 25-27, 2021 | Virtual Event

The Annual Conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is a unique forum for the sharing of information and ideas for the best and most promising practices in the education of Hispanics.

For October dates on pre-and post-conference events, registration, sponsorship, advertising, and exhibitor opportunities, visit hacu.net.

Stay connected with @HACUNews Founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1986, HACU celebrates "35 Years of Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success." H

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