In recent years, there has been a marked increase in colleges pursuing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status, which grants access to federal grants and signifies a commitment to serving underrepresented student populations. This trend aligns with the growth of the Hispanic population in the United States, which reached 62.1 million in 2020, representing a significant rise compared to the previous decade.
Qualification for HSI Designation
To qualify for HSI designation, institutions must have at least 25% of their full-time undergraduate students identifying as Hispanic, along with at least half of the undergraduate population qualifying for need-based federal financial aid. Colleges with Hispanic enrollment between 15% and 24% are categorized as emerging HSIs, indicating progress toward meeting the HSI criteria.
Efforts to Achieve HSI Status
Many institutions, including Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), have undertaken efforts to attain HSI status. MATC’s Hispanic enrollment rose from 18% in 2018 to approximately 23% currently due to outreach initiatives and scholarship programs targeting the Hispanic community. However, reaching the 25% requirement has been challenging, especially for colleges located in regions with smaller Hispanic populations.
Federal Funding for HSIs
HSIs receive federal funding designated for enhancing academic programs, improving student services, and renovating or constructing facilities. This funding strengthens educational resources and demonstrates a college’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion, making these institutions more appealing to potential students.
National Trends in HSI Enrollment
Colleges across the nation are adapting to demographic changes, particularly in areas experiencing substantial growth in Hispanic populations. For example, Montgomery College in Maryland achieved HSI status in 2021, with Hispanic student enrollment increasing from 26% to 29% within two years. This growth is part of a larger national trend, with the number of HSIs rising from 189 recognized institutions in 1994 to 600 by 2023.
Local Community Representation
Weber State University in Utah has also initiated efforts to align its demographic representation with that of the surrounding community, where Latino and Hispanic residents constitute about 30% of the local population while only approximately 13% of full-time undergraduate students. University officials remain optimistic about future enrollment growth that would support their HSI goals.
Challenges in Achieving HSI Designation
Challenges persist, particularly for colleges with a significant part-time student population, as HSI designation is contingent upon full-time enrollment. Institutions are actively exploring strategies to overcome these barriers, including enhancing support services for students who encounter life challenges impacting their academic progress.
Workforce Trends and the Importance of HSI Status
The movement to improve access and support for Hispanic students aligns with national workforce trends, predicting that Hispanic workers will represent over 21% of the U.S. labor force by 2030. As more colleges acknowledge the significance of HSI status in cultivating inclusive educational environments, many are implementing measures to access federal resources that will benefit both their institutions and the local communities they serve.
(Source: Higher Ed Dive)
