Miami Dade College Joins Excelencia in Education to Release New Analysis on Latinos in Higher Education

MDC, which confers more associate degrees than any other college in the country, was highlighted in Excelencia's "2024 Compilation of Fast Facts" as #1 in awarding associate degrees to Hispanics and #2 in awarding certificates to Latinos during the 2019-20 academic year.

Miami, April 9, 2024 -Miami Dade College (MDC) has forged a significant partnership with Excelencia in Education, the nation's premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. Today Excelencia is releasing "Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts," a series of fact sheets that hold a wealth of information on the profile of Latino students and their journeys to and through college.

"We are excited to support this informative study from Excelencia, which provides invaluable insights into the evolving opportunities for Latino students, one of our fastest-growing groups in higher education," said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. "MDC is committed to developing programs and curriculum that best serve our students."

MDC, one of 24 colleges and universities across the country supporting the release of this study, plays a unique role in Excelencia's network. It is one of only 39 institutions to have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for institutions that go beyond enrollment to serve Latino students intentionally. These seal-certified institutions, which represent less than 1% of colleges and universities, enroll 15% and graduate 17% of all Latino students.

Excelencia's analysis shows that ​​Latinos are more likely to be the first in their family to attend college and to receive the federal Pell Grant than any other group, though they are less likely to take out student loans. Latinos also have the highest labor force participation but are more likely to be represented in occupations with lower salaries. Institutions enrolling Latinos are predominantly Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), representing 20% of colleges and universities yet educating 63% of all Latinos in the nation.

"For 20 years, Excelencia has tracked and provided analysis on Latino students in higher education to inform action and catalyze institutional transformation," said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia and lead researcher on the analysis. "The trailblazing institutions supporting the analysis recognize the opportunity to leverage this information as they continue their efforts to intentionally serve the growing number of Latino students on their campuses."

President Pumariega is part of Excelencia's national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS), composed of over 190 postsecondary leaders from 27 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Together, the network's colleges and universities are transforming higher education. Although the P4LSS network represents only 6% of institutions, it enrolls 33% and graduates 35% of all Latino students.

Through this partnership and the P4LSS network, President Pumariega and MDC will continue collaborating with Excelencia, leveraging collective expertise and resources, fostering working relationships, and amplifying current efforts at the national level to accelerate Latino student success and ensure America's future with the talent of Latino students.

To learn more about "Latinos in Higher Education: 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts," visit EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/latinos-higher-education-2024-compilation-fast-facts.

About Excelencia in Education

In 2024, Excelencia in Education marks 20 years of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, advancing institutional practices, and collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation's capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy's needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

About Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college's eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For" since the program's inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC's renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 120,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.

Excelencia in Education Media Contact: JP Deering, Communications Manager, [email protected]

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