Excelencia in Education Announces Awards to 21 Institutions

Excelencia in Education has awarded its 2026 Seal of Excelencia to 21 colleges and universities for “demonstrating continuous improvement in Latino, and all, student outcomes,” according to the organization.

The national network of educators and policymakers aims to use results-oriented higher education practices to “tap the talents of the Latino community” and meet workforce needs.

“Seal of Excelencia–certified institutions present strength of purpose and impact at a moment of great change in higher education,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of the organization. “Excelencia is proud to work with these leaders that show us how it looks when students succeed because of their institutions—not despite them. Together, we are cultivating talent that will ensure America’s future.” The seal is valid for three years.

The institutions earning seal certification for the first time this year are:

• Arizona Western College
• California State University, Chico
• California State University, Stanislaus
• Dominican University (Ill.)
• Evergreen Valley College (Calif.)
• Governors State University (Ill.)
• Harold Washington College, City Colleges of Chicago
• Montclair State University (N.J.)
• Salem State University (Mass.)
• University of Massachusetts Amherst

The institutions earning seal recertification are:

• California State University, Long Beach
• California State University, Los Angeles
• California State University, Northridge
• Metropolitan State University of Denver
• Richard J. Daley College, City Colleges of Chicago
• St. Edward’s University (Tex.)
• Texas Woman’s University

Those that have reached the highest level of certification, Intentionally Thriving Institutions, are:

• California State University, Sacramento
• Long Beach City College (Calif.)
• University of Illinois Chicago
• University of Texas, San Antonio

“We are preparing record numbers of graduates to leave Sacramento State ready to build lives grounded in independence, health, purpose, joy, and the ability to support their families and communities. Earning the Seal and being recognized as an Intentionally Thriving Institution affirms, on a national stage, that our work across recruitment, enrollment, belonging, graduation, and career success is purposeful, informed by data, and delivering real results,” said Sacramento State President J. Luke Wood.