Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week
September 12-18 is National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Week, designated by Presidential Proclamation each year to recognize the hundreds of HSIs across the nation. It also celebrates and builds awareness of the work and important role HSIs play in improving access to education, advancing equity practices, and making contributions in their communities.
What Are Hispanic Serving Institutions?
Hispanic-Serving Institutions are defined by the U.S. Department of Education as institutions of higher education that have at least a 25% or more Hispanic, full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student enrollment. This percentage was the minimum requirement by the 1992 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. HSIs are located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These institutions represent 18% of all institutions of higher education and enroll 66% of Latino undergraduates. Because HSIs primarily serve Hispanic students, most are found in metropolitan areas with large Hispanic populations, in states like California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas.
The defining characteristic of HSIs is their Hispanic enrollment, not their institutional mission. While there are 559 institutions that met the HSI enrollment criteria in 2020-21, there are also 393 institutions that have between 15 and 24.9% FTE undergraduate Hispanic enrollment. These 393 institutions are identified as Emerging HSIs (eHSIs).
While Emerging HSIs do not have the critical mass of Latino student enrollment required to meet the definition of an HSI, these institutions may soon meet the criteria as their enrollment grows and Latino representation increases.
There are several organizations that advocate for and promote Hispanic-Serving Institutions:
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Organization |
Information type |
Distinguishing feature(s) |
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Free downloads of reports, infographics, and data that include total student enrollment and number and percentage of Hispanic student enrollment; HSIs also listed by state and territory |
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Self-nominated membership ; members must complete a form and remit payment to HACU |
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National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) |
HSI List with Points of Contact |
National organization that provides free downloads of a current HSI list and corresponding POCs for all 559 institutions of higher education |
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U.S. Department of Education:
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Grantee lists provided for each program, as well as additional resources and points of contact at the department |
The U.S. Department of Education and various other federal departments and agencies offer grants to HSIs that are used for faculty development, funds and administrative management, development and improvement of academic programs, endowment funds, curriculum development, scientific or laboratory equipment for teaching, renovation of instructional facilities, joint use of facilities, academic tutoring, counseling programs, and student support services. Title V of the 1998 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act is another funding stream specifically for HSIs to assist in improving their higher education provisions.
To support HSIs, federal employees and DEIA practitioners can:
Raise awareness by talking about HSIs and the contributions they make to the lives of students and their families
Showcase HSI students and alumni via social media using the hashtags #HSI and #HSIsWeek, on the agency website, or in agency-sanctioned recruitment and outreach publications
Organize events or activities that promote campus community partnerships and address various issues impacting Hispanic students