According to the U.S. Department of Education, “a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as an institution of higher education that—(A) is an eligible institution; and (B) has an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic students at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application.” While this definition nicely sums up the requirements a school must meet to become an HSI, being an HSI and truly serving the Hispanic community goes beyond statistics. And so as we enter our 28th year, we here at Hispanic Outlook are running an ongoing article series highlighting those schools that have achieved HSI status and how they are truly Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Bergen Community College  (BCC) With three locations in New Jersey, BCC serves more than 32,000 students in degree, continuing education and adult education programs.  Its Office of Multicultural Affairs is in line with the college’s mission: “to educate a diverse student population in a supportive and challenging academic environment that fosters civility and respect.” bergen.edu

Berkeley City College (BCC) Located in California, BCC features model programs in a wide variety of fields including American Sign Language, biotechnology, business, computer information systems, English language and literature, global studies, the liberal arts, multimedia arts, and social sciences. Twenty-five percent of the approximately 7,000 students enrolled at BCC this fall were Latino. www.berkeleycitycollege.edu/wp/

Cedar Valley College (CVC) Serving southern Dallas and northern Ellis counties, CVC’s signature programs include veterinary technology, performing arts, sustainability, industrial technology and early college high school/dual credit. Its student organizations include the Latin American Student Organization whose purpose is “to enrich student lives by promoting the greatness of Hispanic/Latin culture, heritage and traditions.” www.cedarvalleycollege.edu

Chemeketa Community College (CCC) With seven locations in Oregon, CCC lists the diversity of its students, staff and community members as one of its main values.  Its career technical programs include accounting, computer information systems, early childhood education, English as a non-native language, horticulture, nursing, robotics, speech language pathology, visual communications and wine studies. www.chemeketa.edu

Cochran School of Nursing (CSN) The oldest nursing school in Westchester County New York, CSN’s graduates have served in hospitals, community health facilities and in the armed forces spanning back to the Spanish-American War.  It’s committed to providing an educational foundation that identifies the health care needs of the diverse communities in which its students will serve. www.cochranschoolofnursing.us

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) With five Florida campuses, HCC values diversity and cultural awareness in promoting the inclusion of all its members within a global society.  Its student clubs include the Multicultural club; the Latin American Student Association; and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowships, which encourages the membership of “people of every ethnicity and culture.” www.hccfl.edu

McMurry University (McM) Texas-based McM’s mission is to challenge students to examine the world from “multiple perspectives in preparation for lives of leadership, service and professional success.”  McM’s student organizations include Spanish Club, as well as its Diversity Affairs Council, which is committed to enhancing the climate of respect for diversity on McM's campus. www.mcm.edu

Rush University (RU) Located in Illinois, RU strives to create a community where students, faculty, residents and fellows of all backgrounds feel welcome and supported, and have the opportunity to share their experiences.  Its student affinity groups include the Latino Medical Student Association, as well as the Rush University Diversity and Inclusion group. www.rushu.rush.edu

Saint Mary’s College of California (SMCC) SMCC upholds the belief that reaching greater heights of excellence happens by learning from diverse people and creating a culture in which all are valued, respected and supported.  The College Committee on Inclusive Excellence reviews, recommends and facilitates the implementation of policies, programs and practices that advance inclusiveness at SMCC. www.stmarys-ca.edu

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) Located in Nevada, TMCC promotes academic excellence and access to lifelong learning by supporting high-quality education and services within its diverse community.  Its Student Cultural Diversity Center strives to enhance the college experience for students of diverse backgrounds by providing programs, activities and services that support academic and social success. www.tmcc.edu

Logos and information all courtesy of their individual schools