September 27, 2017
HACU on the Road visits California State University, Long Beach
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) President and CEO Antonio R. Flores addressed the state of Hispanic higher education during a HACU on the Road event on September 27, 2017, at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
Flores discussed the importance of the HACU’s advocacy efforts and provided an overview of its legislative priorities, including:
- Preserving and enhancing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) funding
- Targ
eting legislation that funds Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) but not HSIs, especially in STEM education - Advocating for the passage of the DREAM Act
- Increasing state advocacy to target HSIs for funding, particularly in states funding other MSIs
- Expanding and improving HACU’s National Internship Program, especially the corporate component
- Expanding collaborations between PK12 and higher education to continue closing the education gaps
According to Flores appropriations for HSIs were over $200 million in 2016. However, Hispanic enrollments and the number of HSIs are increasing far faster than funding.
The population of Latinos has grown to 57.5 million and will continue to grow. In 2016, Hispanics represented 22.7% of all students enrolled at all levels in 2016 and 19.1% of those enrolled in college.
President of CSULB, Jane Close Conoley, Ph.D., welcomed nearly 30 representatives from school districts, higher education and other organizations across California to the event. Other presenters included Martha Ibarra, key account development manager for Coca-Cola Refreshments, The Coca-Cola Company; Brian Jersky, Ph.D., provost, CSULB; Maria Alvarez, executive director of Western States Legislative Affairs, HACU; and Sandy Holt, chief development & marketing officer, HACU.
The HACU on the Road tour is designed to promote national and international dialogue about Hispanic higher education. HACU on the Road was hosted in partnership with CSULB and sponsored by Coca Cola.
Related: HACU on the Road goes to California State University, Long Beach
