Updated March 22, 2011
NJ Revilla-García

HSIs to meet in D.C. for Capitol Forum on Hispanic higher education

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and University (HACU) will gather next month in D.C. to bring together its member Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) with leaders and supporters of Hispanic higher education for a two-day gathering.

“What is at stake is adequate funding for education in the face of proposals that would decimate funding to minority-serving institutions and the students they serve,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.

Juan Sepúlveda, of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, and Joan Wodiska, of the National Governors Association, will be among the speakers addressing this issue at the session, “The Budget's Impact on HSIs,” on April 4. 

The Capitol Forum will also address other topics such as: Key Legislative Proposals in the 112th Congress: Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA); The Role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in Preparing the Nation's Workforce; and Hispanic Legislative Priorities for the 112th Congress.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will also speak on April 5, prior to visits to Capitol Hill.  

Flores adds that delegations to Capitol Hill are a key component of the Capitol Forum because they give presidents and education leaders the opportunity to speak directly with Members of Congress on behalf of HSIs.

“Each year, when presidents, education leaders and students gather on Capitol Hill, they are not only representing their institutions and their states, but also speaking for Hispanic-Serving Institutions nationwide,” said Flores. “It’s a chance for the institutions to share their stories with policymakers and make a difference in education policy.”

Improving access to postsecondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students continues to be a priority for HACU.

“HSIs receive 66 cents for every dollar going to all other colleges and universities annually, per student, from all federal funding sources” says Flores. “The gap remains too wide.”

The Capitol Forum takes place April 4-5, 2011 at the Westin Washington D.C. City Center. Among the confirmed speakers are: The Honorable Raúl Grijalva, AZ; The Honorable Michael Honda, CA; Ron Painter, National Association of Workforce Boards; Richard Fry, Pew Hispanic Center; Dr. Gabriela D. Lemus, U.S. Department of Labor and other leaders from the public and non-profit sectors.

More information, registration, and the agenda are available at www.hacu.net.