#United States #Portland #InsideTrack #Latino Students #Hispanic-Serving Institutions

InsideTrack's New Initiative to Support Latino Students

InsideTrack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing student success, has recently introduced a new initiative named Strive to Thrive. This program aims to bolster the success of Latino students at five emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) over the course of three years. With over two decades of experience aiding millions of college students, InsideTrack is leveraging its expertise in coaching to tackle the challenges faced by emerging HSIs.

In the United States, approximately 20% of undergraduates identify as Latino, and about one-third of all college students attend institutions designated as HSIs. These colleges enroll 60% of all Latino undergraduates. InsideTrack recognizes the critical role these institutions play in serving Latino students, especially since many are on the brink of being designated as HSIs themselves. The Strive to Thrive initiative seeks to enhance college enrollment, foster retention, and promote successful graduation outcomes.

Ruth Bauer, the president of InsideTrack, emphasizes the unique position of colleges approaching HS designation to implement and scale effective support services. "These institutions can effectively pilot strategies aimed at diminishing barriers hindering student success," she states. This initiative is designed not only to benefit the Latino student population but to enhance educational experiences for all students enrolled at these institutions, many of whom juggle educational commitments alongside work and family responsibilities.

The initiative targets four emerging HSIs and one newly designated HSI, which include Durham Technical Community College, Treasure Valley Community College, Salem State University, Salt Lake Community College, and Western Oregon University. Participating colleges will engage in personalized outreach and provide success coaching for current enrolled students, as well as those who have ceased their studies before obtaining their degrees. Such comprehensive support is expected to transition more students toward completion.

Moreover, the initiative offers institutional training grounded in evidence-based coaching methodologies. InsideTrack's strategy focuses on dismantling financial, academic, and social barriers, significantly easing the path for students to enroll and complete their educational journeys.

Dr. Marla Franco, Vice President of HSI Initiatives at the University of Arizona, underscores the necessity of investing in both student support and the institutional framework needed to fulfill the mission of serving Latino students effectively. She insists that by strengthening institutional capacity while delivering direct student support, InsideTrack will help drive long-term positive results.

As InsideTrack rolls out Strive to Thrive, the organization will gather participating institutions and education experts to share insights and collaborate on effective strategies for improving outcomes among Latino students. The project plans to eventually expand its reach to twelve campuses, fostering a national community for knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving.

Part of the initiative involves publishing reports that shed light on best practices and lessons learned through this collaboration, aiming to strengthen the emerging HSI sector as a whole. By focusing on proactive strategies in navigating systemic challenges, Strive to Thrive intends to reach far beyond immediate enrollment goals, promoting a holistic uplift in education and career success for Latino students.

Kino Hurtado, Director of Hispanic Serving Initiatives at Salt Lake Community College, emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive campus environment. “This partnership fosters a space where students feel acknowledged and appreciated throughout their educational journey.” Through the Strive to Thrive initiative, InsideTrack is poised to not only enhance existing support structures but also redefine the standard for how emerging HSIs can engage with and uplift their student populations.

To learn more about InsideTrack and the Strive to Thrive initiative, visit insidetrack.org/hispanic-serving-institutions.