U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced the award of $15.3 million in new grant aid to 33 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) to improve academic programs, student services and facilities, including laboratories and classrooms. By early September, an additional $70.7 million will be distributed to 157 HSIs to fund the continuation of existing grants.

"More Hispanic students than ever are pursuing postsecondary education," Paige said. "These grants will help them prepare for rigorous academic studies and help them stay in college and complete their degrees."

HSIs are colleges or universities in which Hispanics represent at least 25 percent of the student population. In addition, at least half of those Hispanic students must be low–income. More than 200 two– and four–year schools enroll approximately 49 percent of all Hispanic students.

HSIs confer more than 45 percent of associate degrees and 50 percent of bachelor's degrees awarded to Hispanics and educate a large number of students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. Over the past decade, Hispanic enrollment in higher education has increased nearly 70 percent –– from 782,000 in 1990 to about 1.3 million in 1999.

Funded under Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Hispanic–Serving Institutions program helps HSIs expand their capacity to serve Hispanic and low–income students. Funds may be used for activities such as purchasing scientific or laboratory equipment, renovation of instructional facilities, faculty development, improving academic programs, tutoring, counseling and other student services. As part of his proposed fiscal year 2003 budget, President Bush has requested a $3.1 million increase for HSIs to $89.1 million.

Of the 33 grants announced today, 21 institutions received $8.3 million for five–year development grants to implement specific activities such as establishing community outreach programs with local elementary and secondary schools; offering special programs to improve students' academic success; and purchasing books and telecommunications material.

Another 12 institutions will get a total of $7 million for five–year cooperative arrangement development grants. These grants allow HSIs and non–HSIs to combine resources to enhance academic programs for Hispanics and other low–income students, while reducing duplication and costs.

Paige noted that President Bush's landmark education reform legislation, the No Child Left Behind Act, will provide the rigorous academic preparation needed to pursue education after high school. "Hispanic Serving Institutions have demonstrated success in educating minorities," Paige said, "As the ranks of high school graduates from all backgrounds grow, these colleges will play a critical role in meeting their education and job–training needs."

NOTE TO EDITORS: Following are lists of grantees.

###

Top

Back to August 2002