FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2021
Co-chairs of the U.S. House Congressional Hispanic-Serving Institutions Caucus for the 117th Congress announced
SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is pleased to announce the co-chairs of the Congressional Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Caucus. The co-chairs will lead the HSI Caucus, a Congressional Member Organization (CMO), of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 117th Congress. The HSI Caucus was established in 2017 to promote the value of HSIs and policies that are important to these institutions and to the nation.
“We are very pleased to be working with Members of Congress on the reconstitution of the HSI Caucus for the 117th Congress,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the students they serve make a huge impact in their communities and across the nation. Ensuring that HSIs have a voice in Congress is essential for their success in preparing the U.S. workforce of our country.”
HACU identified 569 HSIs located across the nation in 2019-20 school year. HSIs are in 185 congressional districts in 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. There are also 362 emerging HSIs in 197 congressional districts of 34 states. HSIs and emerging HSIs are found in all but 12 states.
“HACU is grateful for the bipartisan support of the four members of Congress and for their willingness to co-chair the Congressional HSI Caucus,” added Flores.
The four co-chairs are:
- Representative Joaquin Castro (TX)
- Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL)
- Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón (PR)
- Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ)
“For generations, Hispanic-Serving Institutions have enabled humble and hardworking people to pursue their dreams, but often with a fraction of the necessary funding,” said Congressman Castro. “I’m working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure colleges and universities that serve predominantly Hispanic students in San Antonio and throughout the United States are allocated their fair share of resources so that our families and communities can thrive. COVID exacerbated the systemic inequities in education and investing in HSIs is a paramount priority to help young people attend college, get good-paying jobs, and build a fairer and stronger economy.”
“I am thrilled to continue serving as co-chair of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Caucus in the 117th Congress,” said Rep. Diaz-Balart. “Hispanic-Serving Institutions play a crucial role in ensuring the success of Hispanic students in our communities, and we must ensure that federal funding and investments match the growing number of HSIs in our nation.”
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that Hispanic Serving Institutions, particularly the 64 HSI’s in Puerto Rico which have nearly 100% Hispanic enrollment, continue to provide and broaden access to those who have been historically underserved in our country. These institutions play a critical role in our communities and in our nation” said Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón. “I am honored and eager to serve as co-chair of the HSI Caucus and continue working to secure increased federal investments and opportunities to educate the next generation of Hispanic leaders across our great nation.”
"Hispanic-Serving Institutions play an important role in cultivating Latino students and preparing them for future success after college," said Rep. Grijalva. "As a co-chair of the HSI Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress on policies that strengthen these institutions and ensure that they have every resource at their disposal to continue investing in our students."
Under their leadership all other members of the House of Representatives will be invited to join the Caucus, particularly those whose districts are home to HSIs or emerging HSIs.
HACU’s call to action: Please urge your representatives to join the HSI Caucus by clicking here.
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 in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C and Sacramento, California. This year HACU celebrates the 35th Anniversary since its founding.
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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