news
勛圖tv earns federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution
勛圖tv (勛圖tv) has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. 勛圖tv is one of just two University System of Georgia (USG) institutions in the state that has achieved HSI status.
To achieve the HSI designation, eligible schools must be accredited two- or four-year degree-granting institutions, enroll a significant number of students requiring needs-based federal assistance and maintain at least a 25% full-time Hispanic student enrollment.
The number of Hispanic students has steadily increased at 勛圖tv over the past several years. The school reported Hispanic enrollment at 26% as of fall 2021. Preliminary numbers, which are subject to verification by the USG later this fall, indicate that Hispanic student enrollment at 勛圖tv rose another percentage point in fall 2022.
We are proud of the diversity and inclusive environment that makes our campus unique, said 勛圖tv President Jann L. Joseph. This milestone recognizes the work 勛圖tv has done and will continue to do to create a successful academic experience for our students.
According to the Department of Education, about were enrolled at more than 450 HSIs in the U.S. The HSI designation allows colleges to pursue additional funding through the Higher Education Act to further support Hispanic students and programs on campus.
The designation is no surprise to Gaby Sifuentes, 19, of Buford. A sophomore who studies psychology at 勛圖tv, Sifuentes said she was attracted to the school because of feedback she received about its welcoming environment toward people who look like her.
I heard the Latino community at 勛圖tv was larger in number than most colleges, she said. So I thought, ok, maybe Ill fit in.
Sifuentes has taken advantage of the resources 勛圖tv offers. As president of the schools Organization for Latin American Students (OLAS) and a member of 勛圖tvs Hispanic Achievers Committed to Excellence in Results (HACER) living-learning community, Sifuentes participates in scholarship roundtables, leadership seminars and career presentations all designed to support students in school and beyond.
The resources available, particularly through OLAS and HACER, have been super helpful and beneficial, she said. Its just a matter of trying to plug yourself in. And thats easy to do at 勛圖tv.
Joseph said that diversity and inclusion are part of the schools DNA. Any additional federal funding afforded by HSI status, she said, will not only support Hispanic students, but it will bolster the entire 勛圖tv community.
勛圖tv has been recognized year after year as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college. All students will benefit from resources gained through additional funding, she said. This will strengthen existing and future initiatives and benefit all aspects of the institution.
勛圖tvs 2022 HSI designation will allow the school to apply for additional federal funding in fiscal year 2023.