What does it mean to be a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)?
A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as a higher education institution where at least 25% of the undergraduate student population identifies as Hispanic. This designation not only recognizes the demographic composition of the institution but also enables it to access specific federal funding and resources aimed at improving educational opportunities and outcomes for Hispanic students.
HSIs play a crucial role in increasing access to higher education for Latino communities, providing tailored support services and programs to help students succeed academically and professionally. This designation highlights the commitment of these institutions to foster an inclusive environment that promotes cultural diversity and addresses the unique needs of their student population.
Hispanic Serving Institutions in Connecticut:
Albertus Magnus College: Albertus Magnus College, located in New Haven, Connecticut, achieved Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status in 2023, recognizing its commitment to equity and opportunity since its founding in 1925 by the Dominican Sisters of Peace. This federal designation is granted to non-profit, degree-granting institutions where at least 25% of the full-time equivalent undergraduate enrollment is Hispanic.
In addition to this recognition, Albertus Magnus College was featured in the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" rankings, where it earned accolades in the Social Mobility category. It was highlighted as New England’s most diverse Catholic college and the only Catholic institution to hold HSI status. The college ranked among the top 30 performers in social mobility for successfully graduating low-income students who receive Federal Pell Grants, marking the fifth consecutive year it has been recognized for its efforts in enhancing socio-economic mobility.
CT State Community College: Capital Community College (CCC) was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 1994, coinciding with the federal recognition of such institutions. Now a part of CT State, CCC is among several Connecticut State Community College campuses designated as HSIs, which also include CT State Gateway, CT State Housatonic, CT State Naugatuck Valley, and CT State Norwalk.
In December 2020, Capital Community College was awarded a $3 million, five-year federal grant aimed at enhancing student achievement and increasing retention and graduation rates for low-income students at the downtown Hartford campus. This funding will support various initiatives to improve educational outcomes for students in the region, reflecting the college’s commitment to serving its diverse community.
Goodwin University: Goodwin University was designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), reflecting its commitment to serving a diverse student body, particularly the growing Latino community. Approximately 30% of Goodwin's student population identifies as Hispanic, meeting the federal requirement of at least 25% Latino enrollment to qualify for HSI status. This designation enables the university to enhance educational opportunities and support services tailored to the needs of Latino student.
University of Bridgeport: The University of Bridgeport was designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 2020. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to serving the Latino community and fostering an inclusive educational environment. The university has a significant Hispanic student population, comprising around 30% of its enrollment, which underscores its role in providing access to higher education for underrepresented groups
In addition to this designation, the University of Bridgeport has received federal funding for initiatives aimed at enhancing Hispanic student success in STEM fields. This includes the "Project Achieve" program, which seeks to improve retention and graduation rates among Hispanic students pursuing degrees in engineering and computer science.
University of Connecticut Stamford: UConn Stamford, known for its appeal to students who prefer an urban and entrepreneurial environment, shows great potential for future growth. The campus is one of two UConn locations federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). It is also the only regional campus where the university offers student housing, with 435 students residing in UConn's residence hall in Stamford in fall 2021. These features contribute to the campus's attractiveness and support UConn Stamford’s commitment to serving its diverse student body while enhancing student resources and academic opportunities.
University of Connecticut Waterbury: UConn Waterbury, federally designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), was recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Education. The campus is also an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). This recognition aligns with efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for its diverse student body, especially through initiatives that support Latino, Asian American, and Native American Pacific Islander communities. These designations reflect the university's commitment to diversity and enhancing student resources.
Western Connecticut State University: In 2023, Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. With 27% of its student body identifying as Hispanic, this status makes the university eligible for federal grants aimed at enhancing academic programs, faculty development, and student support services, particularly in STEM fields. This recognition highlights WestConn's growing diversity and commitment to serving its local community.