U.S. Department of Education Awards More Than $51 Million…

in New Awards to 96 Hispanic-Serving Institutions to Expand Education Opportunities to Hispanic and Low-Income Students

The U.S. Department of Education announced today that 96 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) will receive more than $51 million in new awards to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for Hispanic and low-income students. The HSI program provides grants to make college more attainable for Hispanic students and allows institutions to enhance their academic offerings, program quality and institutional stability. The grants assist schools in furthering educational opportunities for students through faculty development, curriculum development, academic tutoring and mentoring, and other services.
“More Hispanics than ever before are enrolling in college, and this grant program will help even more students have access to post-secondary degrees and credentials, which are key to building a highly skilled workforce,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Hispanics will soon represent nearly one in three American workers, and in this competitive global marketplace, a skilled workforce is a necessity. The grant program also provides opportunities for low-income students to improve their life outcomes by obtaining a quality education.”
An HSI is defined as an eligible institution of higher education that has at least 25 percent Hispanic full-time equivalent undergraduate enrollment at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of the application.
These grants are just one part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to expand equity and opportunity in education to Hispanic students as it honors Hispanic Heritage Month and the 25th anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Earlier this month, the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics announced a series of commitments, a new report and a set of education data plans outlining the Administration’s work to improve the lives of the 55 million Hispanics who live in the United States.

FY 2015 Hispanic-Serving Institutions Slate of New Awards