New 5-year $3 Million Program at Queensborough Aims to Improve Outcomes for Hispanic and Latinx Students
Queensborough Community College has been awarded a competitive $3 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education through its Developing Hispanic Institutions Program (Title V). Queensborough will use the five-year award to expand access and educational opportunities for Hispanic, Latinx, and low-income students.
“Hispanic and Latinx students comprise more than 25% of our diverse student body. Our priority is to help them achieve their full academic potential and provide them with the skills required to fulfill their career goals and compete in a global economy. The effects of our students’ success are felt in our local, city, and regional economies,” said Queensborough President, Dr. Christine Mangino.
The new grant award comes as Queensborough marks National Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the rich cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx students, faculty, and staff who trace their roots back to Spanish-speaking countries around the world, especially in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
“Queensborough’s Hispanic and Latinx communities encompass many racial and cultural identities and have had a profound and positive influence on our College over our 60 years. We want to broaden education pathways, ensure more learning opportunities are available, share more widely that success is achievable, and eliminate any barriers there are to a high-quality education right here in our community,” said Dr. Mangino.
Under the new program, Queensborough will improve the students’ first-year experience by expanding their Introduction to College course and providing new students with a peer mentor, enhancing teaching, and providing supplemental instruction to support academic achievement. In addition, the College will strengthen students’ online learning experience.
“We want better education outcomes for students in the arts, sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and business. We will achieve this by advancing racial equity and providing new learning opportunities for Queensborough students and graduates,” added Dr. Mangino.
Earlier this month, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics designed for colleges, including Queensborough, so they could more equitably serve Hispanic and Latinx students and increase their participation in higher education. There are approximately 4,000 colleges and universities across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Only 17% are designated Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
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Contact:
Michael Donahue or Alice Doyle
