What is Excelencia in Education?
Excelencia in Education “accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission.” Launched in 2004 in Washington, D.C., Excelencia in Education “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.”
Source: http://www.EdExcelencia.org
What is the Seal of Excelencia?
Excelencia in Education established the Seal of Excelencia as a national certification for institutions that “strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students.” Excelencia in Education recognizes colleges and universities for intentionally SERVING Latino students and for demonstrating positive student outcomes.
The Seal of Excelencia is a comprehensive certification with a framework for serving Latino students—not just enrolling them. It identifies trendsetting institutions and helps other institutions that aspire to better serve their students.
Source: http://www.EdExcelencia.org
Why was UTRGV chosen to receive this prestigious certification?
UTRGV’s commitment to ensuring the enrollment and success of its students through innovative educational programs, grant initiatives and enrollment strategies has propelled the university to earn the coveted Seal of Excelencia certification.
The Seal of Excelencia is not an award or a ranking that is simply given to UTRGV. Certification is a rigorous process that each institution must apply for every three years. Each certified institution earns the Seal of Excelencia by using data, practice, and leadership to demonstrate alignment that intentionally serves Latino, and all, students. UTRGV was originally certified in 2021, and was one of nine institutions to earn recertification in 2024. Only 46 institutions nationwide have ever earned certification.
Why is the Seal of Excelencia important for UTRGV and you?
- Institutions certified with the Seal of Excelencia are part of a select group of schools shaping America’s future through an unwavering intent to SERVE Latino students.
- The institutions that have been certified with the Seal of Excelencia are exemplars, representing trendsetting leadership that transforms colleges and universities to engage, enroll, and graduate today’s students — particularly Latinos.
- The Presidents and Chancellors of the Seal of Excelencia certified institutions are a leadership cadre advancing the role of higher education to intentionally SERVE Latino students.
- Institutions earn Seal of Excelencia certification by demonstrating alignment across the three core areas of data, practice, and leadership.
- The Seal of Excelencia is not a ranking, nor an award. It is a rigorous, independent verification process that culminates with Seal certification, which is effective for three academic years.
For more information, visit: http://www.EdExcelencia.org