Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are colleges and universities with at least 25% of Latinx undergraduates and Pell-eligible students. HSIs across the nation have significantly contributed to moving students up the income ladder, becoming top producers of social mobility. HSIs serve not only Latine students but also many low-income and historically underserved students, providing greater access to high-demand fields like engineering, technology, and healthcare. Despite these contributions, in 2025, the federal government terminated two major sources of HSI support, Title V and III grants that support capacity building. As a result, many of these funded projects ended or are in the process of ending activities by September 30, 2026. 

This research project, led by Dr. Marcela G. Cuellar, examines how HSIs intentionally promote college access and social mobility for Latinx, low-income, and other historically underserved students. While HSIs have demonstrated a strong return on investment, the specific strategies and structures that drive these outcomes are not well understood. Our study can provide actionable insights for HSIs and emerging HSIs nationwide and inform areas where HSIs need support to meet social mobility goals, especially in their local and regional context, to sustain and advance social mobility in the face of significant federal funding cuts. 

This project is generously supported by the Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation.