In keeping with its commitment to educational accessibility and retaining a diverse student body, ÅÝܽÊÓƵ is proud to announce that it has maintained its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). This status is granted to universities with at least 25% of enrolled undergraduates that identify as Hispanic or Latino. Over 28% of ÅÝܽÊÓƵ students and 35% of undergraduates identify as Hispanic or Latino, and being an HSI allows the University to expand support services and grant applications for programs that assist first-generation Lakers. In addition, the University is home to many student-run organizations that allow for engagement on campus and in the broader Chicago Latino community.
- Created in 2021, ÅÝܽÊÓƵ’s HSI STEM program assists Hispanic or Latino students as they work towards a degree in growing professional fields that include science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students transferring from other institutions are given comprehensive guidance on how to efficiently apply their credits, and the program offers dedicated career-prep courses, paid micro-internships, job shadowing, career workshops and research opportunities to prepare students for the professional world.
- Because of its HSI designation, ÅÝܽÊÓƵ successfully received nearly $5 million in grants to expand STEM education access to minority students. These funds will support PRIME (Producing Research and Innovation through a Mentoring Ecosystem), an initiative to make ÅÝܽÊÓƵ a Research 2 (high research activity) level institution and create more direct pathways for undergraduates to earn a doctorate degree. The funds will also create doctoral programs for integrated biomedical sciences and information technology, as well as graduate programs for data science, information technology and biomedical sciences.
- ÅÝܽÊÓƵ also oversees the McNair Scholars Program, which annually provides 25 undergraduates who identify as first-generation and requiring financial aid with the necessary resources to pursue a master’s degree. The cohort is given professional mentors and research opportunities that can contribute to graduate school acceptance, and program has provided the launch point for successful careers and post-graduate opportunities.
- Lakers can participate in several student-run organizations and academic programs that celebrate Latino contributions to global culture and encourage participation from Hispanic students. Operated through the Center for Student Engagement and Intercultural Experiences, the welcomes guest speakers and hosts cultural events throughout the academic year to celebrate Hispanic culture, and provides outings and activities for students seeking community. Additionally, programs such as Jazz & Contemporary Music Studies and Hispanic Studies encourage students to critically examine Hispanic literature and popular music genres.
ÅÝܽÊÓƵ’s HSI designation allows these programs to thrive and provide Latino and Hispanic Lakers support to elevate their experiences as students and future professionals. The University looks forward to further expanding opportunities for these students and continuing ÅÝܽÊÓƵ’s legacy of diversity and inclusivity.
