In recognition of its successful efforts supporting the postsecondary ambitions of native-born, immigrant, and undocumented students, College Forward has been named a “Bright Spot in Hispanic Education” by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. As a Bright Spot, College Forward will be part of a national online catalog that includes over 230 programs that invest in key education priorities for Hispanics.
Celebrating its 25th year, the White House Initiative seeks to leverage these national Bright Spots to encourage collaboration between stakeholders focused on similar issues in sharing data-driven approaches, promising practices, peer advice and effective partnerships, ultimately resulting in increased support for the educational attainment of the Hispanic community, from cradle-to-career.
Alejandra Ceja, Executive Director of the Initiative, made the announcement on Tuesday, September 15 in honor of the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. “There has been notable progress in Hispanic educational achievement, and it is due to the efforts of these Bright Spots in Hispanic Education, programs and organizations working throughout the country to help Hispanic students reach their full potential,” said Ceja.
College Forward has built one of the most effective college access and completion programs in the country: 99% of College Forward’s students apply to and are accepted to higher education, 90% matriculate within one year of high school graduation, and we are driving furiously toward a 65% postsecondary completion rate. College Forward’s Hispanic students earn degrees and credentials at five times the rate of Hispanic students in Texas.
To learn more about the Initiative and to view the Bright Spots in Hispanic Education national online catalog visit www.ed.gov/HispanicInitiative.
