Oct. 15, 2015

Marivel Resendiz

Educators discuss models to increase success among minority students at PreK-12, higher education collaboration symposium

As Hispanic students are becoming the leading minority students in schools, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) led a PreK-12/Higher Education Collaboration Symposium at the HACU 29th Annual Conference on Oct, 9 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Held in partnership with ACT, Peterson and Sodexo, the symposium was recognized by the White House Initiative on EducationalExcellence for its work to expand and support educational outcomes and opportunities for the Latino community. 

The symposium featured three panel discussions led by educators who have implemented policies and programs that have had successful outcomes for students leading into college. HACU Board members Tomas Morales, president of California State University San Bernardino, Michael Flores, president of Palo Alto College in San Antonio, TX, and Msgr. Franklyn Casale, president of St. Thomas University in Miami, FL, organized panels with PK-12 superintendents and other higher education leaders in their regions.

Each panel offered different models of collaboration that have boosted matriculation, retention and graduation rates of Hispanic students. Participants appreciated the geographical spread of the panels and the diversity of collaboration models highlighted, particularly the early college model being implemented in Texas.  

All of the panelists emphasized the need for partnerships between business, PK-12, community colleges and 4 year universities to ensure students are college and career ready. These partnerships, which are critical to community economic development, also foster professional development among the employees of the various partners. Talent retention is a shared responsibility among the various sectors for job creation and workforce development.