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How does Excelencia in Education Recognize Programs?

Examples of Excelencia is an initiative that recognizes programs in various categories for their work accelerating Latino student success. A program may be recognized as the Example of Excelencia, a Finalist, or a Program to Watch in their respective level (associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations). Learn more about these categories below.

Examples of Excelencia

Excelencia in Education's external selection committee selects one exemplary program in the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels as the Example of Excelencia for that year's cycle. The committee selects the four programs from among the finalists.

Learn about last year's Examples of Excelencia here.

Examples of Excelencia Finalists

Excelencia identifies standout programs that are accelerating Latino student success as Examples of Excelencia Finalists in each level (associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations). Programs recognized as Examples of Excelencia Finalists are eligible to apply for Examples of Excelencia every year until they are recognized as the Example of Excelencia in their respective level.

Learn about last year's Examples of Excelencia Finalists here.

Programs to Watch

Excelencia in Education recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made some positive impact on the success of their Latino students and are growing their evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. Programs recognized as Programs to Watch are eligible to apply for Examples of Excelencia every year until they are recognized as the Example of Excelencia in their respective level.

Learn about previous Programs to Watch here.

Promotion of All Recognized Programs

Our program team stays connected with recognized programs to provide relevant opportunities and connections that strengthen and facilitate learning among program practitioners accelerating Latino student success. We follow up every 2 to 3 years with recognized programs to receive updated program information. This outreach supports further program opportunities for:

  • Inclusion in research & publications
  • Programming offered through our Excelencia in Action network

Examples of Excelencia recognized programs in each of the following categories receive promotion that will help elevate their ongoing efforts. Learn more about additional benefits below.

All recognized programs receive:

In addition, Finalists receive:

  • Inclusion in our Growing What Works Database—the only national online, searchable database that serves to promote effective institutional practices for Latino students
  • Digital badges and physical certificate to promote the program's national recognition
  • Complimentary enrollment in Excelencia in Action—our national network taking action to accelerate Latino student success
  • Recognition by their respective member of Congress through Excelencia’s outreach (available based on member's response)

The Examples of Excelencia receive all of the above and:

  • A $5,000 financial contribution to further sustain programmatic efforts
  • Program featured at Celebración de Excelencia in Washington, DC (includes complimentary round trip travel and one night of accommodations)
  • Participation in a panel discussion to share what works with the growing Excelencia community

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