FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2021

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona to speak at HACU Capitol Forum on Hispanic higher education

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and University has announced that U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will speak at HACU’s 26th Capitol Forum, an annual event that brings together leaders and supporters of Hispanic higher education. More than 300 participants, many from Hispanic-Serving Institutions, are expected to attend. The Capitol Forum will be held virtually April 13-14, 2021.

Secretary Cardona will give a special address to discuss the higher education priorities of the Department, including policies affecting Hispanic-Serving Institutions on Tuesday, April 13, at approximately 6:40 p.m. EDT.

“We are honored to have Secretary Cardona address the Capitol Forum and provide insight on the Administration’s plans for our institutions, as well as programs for the students they serve,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “We are hopeful that equitable funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, as well as support for Dreamers, will be a significant element of the Department of Education’s priorities to help campuses thrive.”

Panel sessions include: Opening Plenary: Higher Education Priorities for the 117th Congress; "Impact of COVID-19 on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the Congressional Response; Human and Capital Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities for K-12 and Higher Education: Federal Investments and Shortcomings; Prepping for your Congressional Visit: HACU's Asks; Congressional Hispanic-Serving Institutions Policy Update; and an Advocacy 101 session for college students participating. The agenda with sessions and panelists is available online.

“The sessions for the Capitol Forum will provide an opportunity to discuss issues important to HSIs, such as advocating for increased funding in support of our four priorities – equitable funding for HSIs, the HERE Act, a capital financing bill, and immigration reform, including the Dream Act as a down payment, to allow us to address these issues directly with members of Congress during our Congressional visits,” added Flores.

The HACU Capitol Forum will also include virtual congressional visits with members of Congress to increase funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

Capitol Forum Registration information and agenda is available at www.hacu.net.

About HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Sacramento, California and Washington D.C.

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HACU Media Contact:Norma Jean Revilla-Garcia
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
210-576-3206
njgarcia@hacu.net

Christopher de Hoyos
Assistant Director of Communications and Social Media
Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
210-576-3242
chris.dehoyos@hacu.net