News From Washington

College administrators are actively seeking strategies to balance freedom of speech and safety on campuses in anticipation of potentially violent political protests during the upcoming presidential election season. There is a significant debate about finding the right balance between preventing violence and preserving the rights to free expression and protest.

Riverland Community College: A Beacon of Opportunity and Growth in Southeastern Minnesota

Riverland Community College, founded in 1996, plays a vital role in southeastern Minnesota’s workforce development and education. With campuses in Austin, Albert Lea, and Owatonna, it offers diverse programs and was recognized as an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in 2024. The college is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting all students, especially its growing Hispanic population.

60 Years of Impact: Indiana University’s CLACS and Its Lasting Contributions to Latin America and the Caribbean

The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) at Indiana University plays a central role in interdisciplinary education and research on Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, CLACS promotes global engagement and offers diverse academic programs, including language courses and graduate degrees.

Manuel Martinez: the First Lay and Latino President at Dominican University

Manuel Martinez, the first lay person and Latino to lead the Dominican University, brings his diverse background as well as his business and academic experience to expand Dominican University’s visibility and improve student preparation for the technologically changing workforce through a strong financial aid program.

Did you know? The Floating World of the Uros: Life on Lake Titicaca

Photo by Jeison Higuita on Unsplash   High in the Andes, where Peru and Bolivia share a sacred border more than 12,500 feet above sea level, lies Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world. Revered in Andean cosmology and central to many pre-Columbian myths, the lake spans over 8,300 square kilometers and holds not only ecological richness but also remarkable cultural heritage. Near the Peruvian city of Puno, a unique community continues to float—literally—on its waters. These are the Uros, an Indigenous people whose homes is not on land but on human-made islands built entirely of reeds. According to the BBC, approximately 1,300 Uros people live on around 80 man-made floating islands in Lake Titicaca today.

News From Washington November 2024

In the 2024 U.S. election, divides centered on gender, economic class, and immigration, while Congress anticipates a “lame-duck” session and SCOTUS faces cases on voting and Title IX. Political tensions could lead to recounts and legal challenges.

Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics

Binding Communities Together Across Borders: Binational Mexico-U.S. Hometown Associations

A mid the current hyperbole regarding immigration and who has the right to reside in the U.S., it is important to take a step back and analyze the broader context of how the tapestry of U.S. society has been woven over time, and how it continues to be woven by immigrants on a daily basis, in complex ways – keeping in mind that “immigrants” include those who are first-generation U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents, as well as recently-arrived migrants who may be undocumented, or may have temporary/seasonal legal work permits. 

Beyond the Classroom: ELAC’s Resources and Programs for First Generation Students

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) supports a diverse, primarily Hispanic student body with programs like the First Year Experience, free tuition through the College Promise program, and dedicated resources. Student testimonials illustrate ELAC’s transformative role in fostering academic success, community engagement, and personal growth.

CSUSM’s Coaching Program: Empowers Freshmen to Thrive

California State University San Marcos’ Office of Success Coaching helps first-year Latinx and underserved students transition to college, improve retention, and foster persistence through personalized support. 

Dr. Martha Garcia: A Transformational Leader

Dr. Martha Garcia, Mt. San Antonio College's first Latina president, aims to transform higher education by focusing on student belonging, accountability, and success. With a history of impactful leadership, she champions programs addressing mental health, basic needs, and cultural support, especially for Latino and first-generation students.

2025 Top 50 Community Colleges for Hispanics

Community colleges significantly boost social mobility, especially for Hispanic/Latino students. Hispanic Outlook annually recognizes the top 50 institutions by enrollment and degrees granted, highlighting the growing role of both two- and four-year public colleges in serving this expanding student population.