Excelencia in Education

**What is Examples of Excelencia?**

Examples of Excelencia is the only national data-driven initiative to recognize programs at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels as well as at community-based organizations with evidence of effectiveness in accelerating Latino student success. Through a comprehensive, year-long process, Excelencia in Education identifies and promotes programs increasing academic opportunities and improving achievement for Latino students in higher education. We focus on results and disseminating these effective practices to others interested in serving Latino students.

Over 17 Years of Promoting What Works for Latino Students

Since its inception, more than 1,900 programs have been submitted for consideration and over 385 have been highlighted by Excelencia in Education. The large number of nominations and evidence-based practices show that there is a significant portfolio of existing practices increasing Latino student success across the country. Examples of Excelencia is a compilation of these evidence-based practices and serves as a resource for other institutions and community-based organizations considering efforts to improve their services to Latino students.

In 2022, Examples of Excelencia received 93 program submissions representing 17 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Of these 93 programs, twenty programs were recognized as 2022 Examples of Excelencia Finalists. From the Finalists, four Examples of Excelencia––one at each respective level––were nationally recognized at the annual Examples of Excelencia capstone event, Celebración de Excelencia.

Celebración de Excelencia is the annual capstone event recognizing the Examples of Excelencia for that year. This annual recognition of evidence-based practices serving Latino and other students in higher education is held in the Nation’s capital and is organized in cooperation with members of Congress, other elected officials, and educational leaders. This event:

Elevates the goal of accelerating Latino student success to national prominence.
Serves as a catalyst for institutions and leaders to seek and apply asset-based strategies to accelerate Latino student success.

We invite you to view our 2022 Celebración de Excelencia here.