A national model for Latino student success
The Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting program at The University of Texas at Arlington was the sole baccalaureate program nationwide selected as a 2023 Example of Excelencia for its use of intentional, culturally relevant, evidence-based practices tailored to Latino students and their communities.
Excelencia in Education, a national authority on promoting Latino student success in higher education, chose the UTA program as a model for the nation, selecting it from among 230 nominations representing 35 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The organization also recognized UTA’s Bridge to Math Doctorate program as a finalist in the graduate-level category during its annual Celebración de Excelencia on Sept. 28 in Washington, D.C.
“The Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting program exemplifies UTA’s innovative approach to developing programs that meet the needs of our community and are designed to enhance student success,” said Tamara L. Brown, UTA provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “This program serves as a national model for creative, evidence-based academic programming that prepares students for careers that are vital to our communities in the North Texas region.”
The Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting program prepares graduates to become bilingual and multicultural leaders in their communities, equipping students with the skills and professional opportunities to succeed in their careers. The program is oriented to serve the Hispanic community and enables communication between monolingual Spanish speakers and the public.
The four-year graduation rate of Latino students enrolled in the program is around 88%. The four-year graduation rate of transfer Latino students is 92% Since 2008, 282 students, 86% of them Latino, have obtained a certificate in translation from UTA. The exit exam pass rate for Latino students is 99%.
Alicia Rueda-Acedo, associate professor of Spanish translation and literature and director of the Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting Program, said it has intentionally served Latino students since its inception.
“Most Latino students in the program are language brokers in that they translate for their parents in immigrant families,” Rueda-Acedo said. “UTA actively recruits Hispanic heritage speakers, who find this program an invaluable opportunity to professionalize their skills.”
Sarita Brown, cofounder and president of Excelencia in Education, said programs like the one at UTA empower Latinos in higher education.
“Excelencia created Examples of Excelencia to recognize effective efforts led by practitioners in higher education who believe in their students’ future and support their highest aspirations,” she said. “Working together, we are building national momentum for institutional transformation to intentionally serve Latino students and grow our future workforce and civic leadership.”
UTA’s Bridge to Math Doctorate program was recognized as a finalist at the graduate level. Founded in 2016 with support from the National Science Foundation, it provides one year of advanced courses and faculty mentoring to strengthen students’ mathematical and academic skills as they prepare for doctoral studies. The program targets students from underserved institutions where advanced mathematics courses may not be available.
Examples of Excelencia was created in 2005 and is the country’s only national effort to identify, aggregate and promote evidence-based practices aimed at improving Latino student success in higher education.