Executive Order on Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Advancing Education and Opportunity
President Biden’s Executive Order 14124, signed during a White House event, establishes the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
This initiative creates a President’s Board of Advisors on HSIs, positioning these institutions as focal points for federal programs designed to serve the 4.7 million students enrolled in HSIs nationwide.
HSIs are essential for economic advancement within the Latino community, providing resources for first-generation college students and others from low-income backgrounds.
With Latino enrollment rapidly increasing, Executive Order 14124 focuses on aligning educational programs at HSIs with national economic needs. It promotes areas of high demand, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, to equip students with skills directly relevant to the job market.
New Board of Advisors’ Goals:
- Increase federal program participation among HSIs
- Establish best practices to enhance student success and economic mobility
- Support fiscal sustainability for HSIs
- Foster partnerships between HSIs and private sector, nonprofit, and government organizations
New Investments in Research Infrastructure
$19 Million in Research Grants
The administration also unveiled nearly $19 million in grants for five Hispanic-Serving Institutions to enhance research infrastructure and productivity, which are essential for economic competitiveness. The Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) Program, a branch of the U.S. Department of Education, is distributing these funds to help HSIs improve both their physical facilities and research capacities.
These grants not only elevate HSIs in the academic research space but also strengthen their role in local and national economic growth by fostering knowledge creation and workforce preparation. Below is a snapshot of the HSIs receiving these grants:
State |
Total Funds Received |
State |
Total Funds Received |
State |
Total Funds Received |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR | $11,356,918 | CT | $81,522,902 | OH | $875,529 |
| AZ | $739,602,657 | DC | $10,396,350 | OK | $9,372,922 |
| CA | $6,389,050,269 | FL | $1,524,890,025 | OR | $58,864,009 |
| CO | $290,670,467 | GA | $96,526,460 | PA | $66,357,824 |
| ID | $12,477,969 | IL | $664,298,648 | PR | $1,135,872,342 |
| IN | $20,049,711 | KS | $20,869,761 | RI | $48,066,707 |
| MA | $110,295,475 | MD | $68,836,836 | TN | $7,383,933 |
| MN | $12,999,876 | NE | $1,211,270 | TX | $3,433,719,411 |
| NC | $10,750,057 | NJ | $582,987,076 | VA | $14,730,892 |
| NM | $399,198,109 | NV | $336,899,054 | WA | $124,035,244 |
| NY | $327,800,182 | WI | $23,119,648 | ||
| Grand Total | $16,635,088,533 |
Each institution will use the funding to improve research facilities, support faculty expertise, and develop new programs for research growth, enhancing their contribution to the fields of STEM and beyond.
Historical Context of HSI Support
The recent actions build on the administration’s substantial history of support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Since taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have invested over $16 billion across more than 500 HSIs in 30 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
These funds were allocated to strengthen academic resources, research, and economic initiatives directly benefiting Latino students.
The funding is already producing results:
- Expanding resources for 4.7 million students annually
- Supporting HSI facilities, programs, and initiatives crucial to workforce preparation
- Assisting students from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their economic opportunities
Economic Impact on Latino Communities
The new actions to support HSIs are part of a broader economic strategy by the Biden-Harris Administration, specifically tailored to promote upward mobility for Latinos across the country.
The Biden-Harris administration has created over 15 million jobs, including five million opportunities benefiting Latinos in three years. Latino entrepreneurship reaches its highest rate in a decade, driving economic equity and representation nationwide.
By creating jobs and enhancing educational resources, the Biden Administration is addressing the unique economic challenges faced by the Latino community, including income gaps and barriers to higher education.
Federal programs, like the Department of Education’s RDI Program, are designed to boost infrastructure and help Latino-owned businesses thrive, positioning Latino workers for success in a modernized economy.
Educational Equity and Opportunity
Hispanic-Serving Institutions have long played a pivotal role in offering economic mobility, particularly for first-generation college students. HSIs serve as entry points to higher education for thousands of students who might not otherwise have access to college-level studies.
They help bridge socioeconomic disparities and offer students viable pathways to better-paying jobs.
The White House Initiative’s goals include:
- Increasing graduation rates among Latino students
- Strengthening HSI financial sustainability
- Developing educational programs aligned with labor market demands
Broader Efforts and Future Outlook
The administration’s recent actions for Latino communities extend beyond HSIs. Broader initiatives focus on addressing challenges like immigration reform and offering tailored support to Latino entrepreneurs and businesses, contributing to a more inclusive economic landscape.
Officials and advocates for HSIs have voiced their support for these actions, highlighting the importance of long-term federal support. The Department of Education says investments will position Latino students for success in a diversifying workforce.
Lasting Impact on Latino Advancement
The initiatives announced by the Biden-Harris Administration demonstrate a comprehensive approach to strengthening Latino communities through education and economic resources. The focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions ensures these efforts will have a lasting impact on students, families, and economies across the country.
Latino students and communities gain better access to quality education, research and job prospects to achieve the American dream.
Sources: THX News & The White House.
