A leader in implementing evidence-based programs
The University of Texas at Arlington has chosen to become a leadership partner with Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, in releasing a compilation of evidence-based programs that improve higher educational achievement for Latino and other students.
The compilation, “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024,” emphasizes cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas:
- Engagement to Prepare Students and Families in College
- First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success
- Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections
- Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways
- Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success
“Excelencia increases awareness of programs that work for Latino students with the understanding that what serves our students ultimately serves our country,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia. “The trailblazing institutions supporting the compilation know asset-based approaches and evidence-based practices are crucial to intentionally serving Latino students and show there is no excuse for inaction.”
UTA is one of 24 colleges and universities across the country supporting the release to inspire and support educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to replicate and bring to scale data-informed practices that work for Latinos in higher education.
UTA President Jennifer Cowley belongs to Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS), composed of over 190 postsecondary leaders from 27 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Together, colleges and universities in this network—which represents only 6% of institutions yet enrolls 33% and graduates 35% of all Latino students—are transforming higher education.
“America’s future is brighter with the talents of Latinos,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia. “Excelencia brings national attention to these effective efforts advancing students’ higher education journeys with 24 college and university presidents and chancellors who serve as leaders for Latino student success. By sharing information and supporting replication, we build momentum for institutional transformation that accelerates Latino student success and thus grows our civic leadership and future workforce.
UTA leads Excelencia’s network as one of only 39 colleges and universities to have earned the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino students. Seal-certified institutions represent less than 1% of colleges and universities yet enroll 15% and graduate 17% of all Latino students. They also lead the way by implementing evidence-based practices that ensure Latino students thrive on their campuses.
Through this partnership and the P4LSS network, Cowley and UTA will continue collaborating with Excelencia, leveraging collective expertise and resources, fostering working relationships, and amplifying current efforts at the national level to accelerate Latino student success and ensure America’s future with the talent of Latino students.
To learn more about “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024,” visit EdExcelencia.org/advancing-what-works-latino-students-2024.
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About Excelencia in Education
In 2024, Excelencia in Education marks 20 years of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, advancing institutional practices, and collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. 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. For more information, visit EdExcelencia.org.
About The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington, located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. The University is committed to providing access and ensuring student success, and to a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of discoveries by our community of scholars. With an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students, UTA is the second-largest institution in the UT System.