The Crucial Role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the Education of Latino/a Youth

Abstract

This article offers an analysis of policy issues and recommendations regarding the specific mission of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the United States. Through anecdotes and a brief historical outline, I urge readers not to forget the rich historical activist legacy of early Latino leaders who worked to ensure the inclusion of Hispanics in American higher education. The urgent need to improve access to education among this historically underserved population includes the need to develop leadership in many fields besides education and free public higher education for everyone as a revised goal for HSI and non-HSI institutions.

Keywords:

• leadership development
• civil rights
• access to education
• Hispanic-Serving Institutions
• Latino economic impact
• college degree