This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
College is an exciting and rewarding journey, but sometimes students may require additional support and guidance to overcome obstacles in order to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving System, Maricopa Community Colleges takes pride in providing eligible students with the opportunity to access additional support through the HSI EXCELlence program. The program is specifically designed to assist first-generation, Federal Pell Grant-eligible Latino/a/x students in navigating the ins and outs of college life. In addition, students can take advantage of academic and personal support that fosters a sense of community (comunidad), caring (carino), and family (familia). Let’s explore what makes the HSI EXCELlence program an innovative tool for ensuring students receive a personalized college experience.
Transformation of the EXCEL Program into the HSI EXCELlence Program
The EXCEL Program was established in 2014 with generous grant funding from the Helios Education Foundation, explicitly aiming to improve academic outcomes for Latino/a/x students attending Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) Estrella Mountain and Glendale Community Colleges. With the program's data-proven success, Helios Education Foundation generously funded the new and expanded form of EXCEL to the HSI EXCELlence Program. The program now serves Latino/a/x students at Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Phoenix College, and South Mountain Community College.
By integrating the data-proven best practices of the EXCEL Program, HSI EXCELlence offers tailored guidance and resources to support Latino/a/x students in successfully completing their educational journey. In addition, students have access to much-needed key wraparound support services and resources, including success coaches, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid, that bring students together with one common goal – to succeed academically and personally.
The HSI EXCELlence program's individualized concierge service with coaching and support makes navigating college much more manageable. Furthermore, the dedicated success coaches are there every step of the way to guide students with personalized guidance, career services, access to valuable network connections, access to technology and learning support resources, and a calendar of social and network events.
Latino/a/x students can realize their academic goals with the HSI EXCELlence program. In addition, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and undocumented students may also take advantage of the benefits offered through the HSI EXCELlence Program. To participate in the program, students must be enrolled at one of six participating HSI colleges and pursue a degree, certificate, or clock hour program.
About the Hispanic Serving Institution Designation
Maricopa Community Colleges are proud to have, for the first time, all ten colleges designated as HSIs by the U.S. Department of Education. This national designation is granted to colleges and universities with a full-time equivalent student body enrollment of at least 25% Latino/a/x students.
As college enrollment of the Latino/a/x student population continues to grow, the HSI designation opens doors for Maricopa Community Colleges to apply for and receive additional federal funding to support the academic needs of students from traditionally underserved communities. According to Excelencia in Education, Arizona has the fifth-largest Latino population in the nation. Based on Maricopa’s 2023 Spring enrollment data, 38% of its student population identified as Hispanic.
The HSI EXCELence Program expands access to higher education for underserved Latino/a/x students yearning to accomplish their academic goals. This program provides an essential support system tailored to guide students on their path toward a successful college journey. Are you ready to get personalized support to help you navigate the ins and outs of college? Then, take the next step, and apply today!