September 19, 2019

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities applauds the U.S. Senate for recognizing the contributions made by Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and emerging HSIs. A Senate Resolution introduced by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and adopted unanimously by the full Senate observes National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.

The Senate Resolution recognizes the achievements of 523 HSIs throughout our nation by designating Sept. 16-22, 2019, as National HSIs Week.

The Resolution recognizes the goals and achievements of HSIs and the efforts these institutions are leading to increase Hispanic participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). To download a copy of the Resolution, click here.

“The recognition of HSIs week acknowledges the essential role these institutions play in educating the entire nation,” said HACU President and CEO Antoni R. Flores, who commended all the senators who co-sponsored the resolution and supported its adoption. 

Defined as degree-granting institutions where total Hispanic enrollment constitutes of no less than 25% of the total enrollment, HSIs play a critical role in educating Hispanic youth and improving the communities in which they are located. HSIs are located in 25 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Emerging HSIs are defined as institutions that do not yet meet the threshold of 25 percent Hispanic full-time equivalent enrollment but serve a Hispanic population of between 15-24 percent and include 328 institutions in 35 states.

Joining Senator Menendez in cosponsoring the resolution are Senators: 

Michael Bennet (D-CO) 
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) 
Cory Booker (D- NJ)
Mike Braun (R-IN) 
Bob Casey (D-PA) 
John Cornyn (R-TX) 
Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
Dick Durbin (D-IL) 
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Cory Gardner (R-CO) 
Kamala Harris (D-CA) 
Martin Heinrich (D-NM) 
Tim Kaine (D-VA) 
Amy Klobuchar (D- MN) 
Patty Murray (D- WA) 
Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Bernie Sanders (D-VT) 
Tom Udall (D-NM)

Information about HSIs and Emerging HSIs including a fact sheet, lists of institutions is available on HACU’s website. Click here.