September 12, 2022

National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week recognized by the White House

SAN ANTONIO – Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across the country are being recognized this week by President Biden, during National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, before the start of Hispanic Heritage Month being celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

On September 9, the White House issued a proclamation designating September 12-18, 2022, as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. To read the full proclamation, click here.

"Today, Hispanic students make up nearly 20 percent of college undergraduates in the United States.  They are our future leaders — the next generation of doctors and teachers, entrepreneurs and artists, first responders and scientists, elected officials and activists.  Ensuring that these young people are prepared to take on the challenges of tomorrow is critical to the future of our Nation. That is why this week we celebrate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which foster cultures of belonging and respect on their campuses and offer Hispanic students a nurturing, inclusive environment to learn and grow.," states President Biden in the proclamation.

Each year, Hispanic-Serving Institutions from around the country celebrate HSIs Week with activities on their campus.

In 1992, HACU led the effort to convince Congress to formally recognize campuses with high Hispanic enrollment as federally designated HSIs and to begin targeting federal appropriations to those campuses. (Click here for more information about the differences between HACU's definition of HSIs and the federal definition of HSIs under Title V of the Higher Education Act.)

Congress first formally recognized campuses with high Hispanic enrollment as federally designated HSIs in 1992, and in 1995 HSIs received the initial federal appropriations.

Below are some links to additional information about HSIs:

  • Tips on celebrating HSIs Week on Campus here.
  • List of Hispanic-Serving Institutions here.
  • Fact Sheet: Hispanic Higher Education and HSIs here.

Celebrate the role HSIs play in improving access to education and advancing equity for historically underserved students. Tag @HACUNews on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use hashtag #HSIsWeek.

About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. The mission of HACU is to Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California. This year HACU celebrates the 35th Anniversary since its founding. More information is available at www.hacu.net.

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Contact:
Norma Jean Revilla-Garcia
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Phone: (210) 576-3206 E-Mail: njgarcia@hacu.net

Christopher de Hoyos
Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Phone: (210) 576-3242 E-Mail: chris.dehoyos@hacu.net