LEAF College Success Program: A Proud Finalist for the 2024 Examples of Excelencia
We’re excited to announce that the LEAF College Success Program, an initiative of the Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF), has been honored as a finalist for the 2024 Examples of Excelencia! This prestigious recognition from Excelencia in Education affirms our unwavering commitment to empowering Latino students through impactful, evidence-based practices that drive their success in higher education.
What is Examples of Excelencia?
Since its inception in 2005, Examples of Excelencia has been the nation’s only data-driven effort to recognize programs that effectively increase Latino student success at the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels. Over the years, Excelencia in Education has reviewed more than 2,000 program submissions, highlighting over 400 that demonstrate robust evidence of effectiveness. This initiative aggregates the most successful practices in Latino student success across the country, serving as a vital resource for institutions and organizations aiming to improve their services to Latino students.
A Milestone Achievement
As Excelencia in Education celebrates its 20th year, 18 programs nationwide have been recognized as standout examples of excellence in supporting Latino students. From a competitive pool of 103 submissions, the LEAF College Success Program emerged as a finalist, a testament to our program's dedication, intentionality, and measurable success in serving Latino students.
Why LEAF College Success Program?
Our program has been recognized for its culturally relevant and asset-based approach to supporting Latino students. By focusing on comprehensive support—academic, financial, and social—we’ve seen remarkable improvements in student retention and persistence. This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to provide a nurturing environment where students can thrive and achieve their academic and career goals.
LEAF has made a profound impact, serving over 500 students and their families. Impressively, 97% of our Scholars identify as Latinx, and 95% are first-generation college students. Last year, our Scholars achieved an outstanding college persistence rate of 81%, a figure that far surpasses the 24% Hispanic/Latino college enrollment rate in California, highlighting the effectiveness of our programs and the resources we provide.
What This Means for Us
Being named a finalist for Examples of Excelencia is a significant honor. It means that our program is recognized as one that aligns its goals, practices, and evidence to intentionally and successfully serve Latino students. This recognition not only validates our work but also places us among the leading programs in the nation that are making a tangible difference in the lives of Latino students.
Looking Ahead
On September 30, Excelencia in Education will announce the final honorees at the Celebración de Excelencia event in Washington, D.C. Regardless of the outcome, being recognized as a finalist is a significant achievement that underscores our commitment to Latino student success.
We are incredibly proud of this recognition and deeply grateful to be part of a network of dedicated professionals working to advance educational equity. As we continue on this journey, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower students and support their path to success.
For more information on the 2024 Examples of Excelencia finalists, visit Excelencia’s website: EdExcelencia.org
