The Higher Education Act defines a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) as an accredited and eligible degree-granting college with at least 25% undergraduate full-time equivalent Hispanic enrollment at the end of the award year immediately preceding the date of application. The U.S. Department of Education uses the U.S. Census definition of Hispanic to award funding grants to institutions using the HSI designation. According to the U.S. Census, Hispanic refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. Learn more about the distinction between Hispanic and Latinx.

While the funds associated with becoming an HSI are important, there are other reasons why SLCC wants to pursue this designation. For SLCC, adopting an HSI identity centers on the fundamental question, "What does it mean to serve Hispanic/Latinx students?” In answering this question, SLCC hopes to innovatively reimagine how our institution fosters transformative and inclusive research, practice, policies, and environments that support ALL students by way of the HSI designation. Earning the rigorous Seal of Excelencia will help SLCC act intentionally and serve as a measure of success.