Leading the Way in Support and Inclusion

According to recent census projections, the Hispanic and Latino population in the United States is expected to make up nearly 26.9% of the total population by 2060, meaning more than 1 in 4 Americans will fall within that category. Several colleges and universities across the U.S. are setting examples for how to serve this growing population in higher education and providing a blueprint for others to follow by offering support for these students through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and targeted initiatives.

Arkansas State University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine stand out as examples of how institutions can promote Hispanic and Latino students and studies by showcasing their commitment to diversity, cultural understanding, and student success.

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University (ASU) has made strides to support Latino students both in the U.S. and abroad.

In 2015, ASU opened a campus in Querétaro, Mexico, becoming the first U.S. public university to establish a location in the country. This unique expansion provides Mexican students with access to an American education without the need to study abroad. Classes are taught in English and follow ASU’s curriculum.

The project was developed and financed through a collaboration with the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Education, an organization that originated in Los Angeles and works to combat educational neglect in underrepresented communities. This effort highlighted the importance of international partnerships in expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic students.

As Querétaro Governor José Calzada Rovirosa told University World News, “This is an example of what we can achieve together, the United States and Mexico, when we combine forces regarding the most valuable things we have: our youth, the future, the progress of the nation.”

This cross-border initiative not only provides access to higher education but also fosters cultural exchange. ASU Chancellor Tim Hudson emphasized to University World News that the campus will “create leaders who have an empathetic understanding of different cultures, who are comfortable working in a global environment.”

Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University (IU) takes a holistic approach to supporting Hispanic students through its Department of Spanish and Portuguese. The department offers a wide range of academic programs, including a bachelor’s major and minor in Spanish and master’s and PhD degrees in Hispanic literature, Hispanic linguistics, and cultural studies. IU also provides specialized tracks within the Spanish major, allowing students to focus on Hispanic linguistics, Hispanic literature, or Hispanic studies.

One of the key strengths of these programs is the emphasis on language acquisition alongside cultural understanding. The university believes that learning a language requires knowledge of the cultural contexts in which it is spoken. IU explains on its website, “Language study provides us with a means of communicating with others, both within and outside of the U.S., and of strengthening cultural literacy and intercultural understanding.”

IU’s commitment to cultural understanding is also reflected in its Hispanic-focused PhD programs, which encourage students to explore the histories and contexts in which language and culture exist and change. This approach equips graduates with the skills needed to engage with diverse communities and fosters a deep understanding of Hispanic cultures.

By integrating language acquisition with cultural studies, IU provides students with the tools necessary to succeed in a globalized world.

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

At Geisel School of Medicine, support extends beyond cultural studies and language programs. The medical school is focused on fostering Latino innovation, service, and leadership in medicine, as demonstrated by its involvement with the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA). During the 50th Annual LMSA Northeast Regional Conference, two medical students, Isadora Guarino (class of 2024) and Paula Sofia Lara Mejia (class of 2025), were recognized for their contributions to health care and community service.

Lara Mejia received the LMSA Community Impact Grant for her project SaludableMente, which aims to address mental health concerns among migrant farmworkers in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont. This community-based effort is part of Project Salud, which provides culturally and linguistically sensitive health care to migrant farmworkers.

Mejia’s work is an example of how universities can support Hispanic and Latino communities through targeted health care initiatives that address the unique needs of underserved populations.

“I am very grateful for this grant as it helps recognize the work we have done in our community,” said Mejia in a statement. “We are really passionate about this project, and while passion is a key ingredient, we are working hard to build the infrastructure so this continues beyond specific students’ time in the Upper Valley.”

In addition, the school has implemented the Medical Spanish Pathway to Excellence, a four-year curriculum that prepares students to provide care for Spanish-speaking populations. Upon completion, students receive certification in medical Spanish proficiency, equipping them with the language skills necessary to serve those communities effectively.

The initiatives at Arkansas State University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine offer valuable lessons for other universities looking to support Hispanic and Latino students and foster diversity on their campuses. Their examples demonstrate that success lies in intentionality, cultural understanding, and community engagement.

By fostering international collaborations, integrating language and cultural studies, and creating targeted health care and leadership programs, these institutions are not only helping Hispanic and Latino students succeed academically but also empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.