April 9, 2024

HACU’s 29th Annual National Capitol Forum launches with Opening Plenary

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities kicked off its 29th Annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education on April 9, 2024, featuring notable guest speakers during the largest Forum gathering to date. Approximately 400 participants were in attendance.

Three free pre-Forum workshops featured representatives from the Department of Education, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Representatives provided information about grants and opportunities available for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Two student track sessions were also held on advocacy techniques and approaches.

The event officially launched with the Opening Plenary luncheon convened featured remarks from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small, Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona, and a Fireside Chat with Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. The discussion focused on the ongoing need for support of Hispanic education and emphasizing the connection between education and economic development by spotlighting the Biden Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act initiatives.

The early afternoon Federal Partnerships Plenary, convened by Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations Lena Rodriguez, featured Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis R. McDonough, and Assistant Director for the Directorate for STEM Education at the National Science Foundation James L. Moore III, Ph.D.

The day concluded with an overview of the recent GAO report on HSIs and breakout sessions by states to prepare participants attending Capitol Hill meetings.

Special thanks to partners and sponsors of HACU’s 29th National Capitol Forum: Google, National University, and Southwest Airlines.

To view images from the event click here.