FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2021
HACU announces launch of the U.S. Senate Hispanic-Serving Institutions Caucus and its co-chairs
SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is pleased to announce the launch of the Senate Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Caucus. The co-chairs of the Senate HSI Caucus in the 117th Congress will be Senator Alex Padilla and Senator Bob Menendez. The purpose of the HSI Caucus is to promote the value of HSIs and the policies and funding support that are needed for these institutions to thrive.
“We are very pleased to be working with Senators Padilla and Menendez on the creation of the HSI Caucus in the 117th Congress,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Hispanic-Serving Institutions educate and serve the most diverse and neediest college student population representing 5.24 million students, which includes more than two of every three Hispanics in college. 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.
“We applaud Senator Alex Padilla and Senator Bob Menendez for their leadership as co-chairs for the HSIs Caucus,” added Flores.
Under the leadership of the co-chairs, other members of the Senate will be invited to join the Caucus, particularly those whose districts are home to HSIs or emerging HSIs.
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