About HACU
Advocacy - Institutional Capacity Building - Faculty and Staff Development - Student Services
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) was established in 1986 by a small group of higher education leaders who recognized that poverty and language barriers, among other factors, were preventing Hispanics from reaching their full academic potential. Because of HACU’s exemplary leadership on behalf of the nation’s youngest and fastest-growing population, the Association rapidly grew in numbers and national impact.
Today, HACU—a non-profit, tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization—represents more than 500 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, and Europe. Although our member institutions in the U.S. represent 10% of all higher education institutions nationwide, together they are home to two-thirds of all Hispanic college students. HACU is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
In 1992, HACU led the effort to convince Congress to formally recognize campuses with high Hispanic enrollment as federally designated HSIs and to begin targeting federal appropriations to those campuses.
Soon after, HACU and its allies were instrumental in convincing Congress to appropriate money specifically for HSIs. For the first time ever, HSIs were granted $12 million in 1995 from federal resources. Since then, funding has increased significantly due to HACU’s continued advocacy. In fiscal year (FY) 2018, $123 million was appropriated for HSIs under Title V, Part A. In FY 2019, HACU is recommending $150 million in federal appropriations under Title V.
Our nation’s economic and social success rests on the level of skills and knowledge attained by Hispanics, now the nation’s largest minority population. Education, indisputably, is the key. HACU is committed to Hispanic success, from kindergarten through graduate school and in today’s work force. Everyone has a stake in HACU’s crucial goals: to promote the development of member colleges and universities; to improve access to and the quality of postsecondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students; and to meet the needs of business, industry and government through the development and sharing of resources, information and expertise.
HACU’s Annual Conference, International Conference and National Capitol Forum are important platforms for addressing Hispanic academic, social, economic and political issues. Thousands of young Hispanics benefit from HACU with internships, scholarships, research, outreach, college retention and advancement, precollegiate support, career development opportunities and programs. We truly are the champions of Hispanic success in higher education.
National Headquarters
4801 NW Loop 410, Suite 701 · San Antonio, Texas 78229 · USA
Telephone: 210-692-3805 · Fax: 210-692-0823 · www.hacu.net