So, like, the thing is, colleges have been kind of slacking when it comes to enrolling Hispanic students. They’re way behind their white counterparts in getting these students through the doors. But now, it looks like they might have to step up their game if they want to stay in the game. The president of Dominican University, Glena Temple, knows what’s up. She’s all like, “Yo, the times are changing, and we gotta change with ’em.” And Quintero, a Hispanic high school grad, just smirks and says, “Looks like they need us now, huh?”
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, almost one-third of students in grades K through 12 are Hispanic. That’s a big jump from a decade ago, when it was less than one in four. And in some states like California, Texas, and Florida, the Hispanic population in public schools is even higher. By 2041, the number of white, Black, and Asian high school graduates is expected to drop, while the number of Hispanic graduates is projected to rise. So, colleges better start paying attention to these young folks.
But here’s the kicker: even though colleges need Hispanic students more than ever, the percentage of Hispanic high school grads heading straight to college is lower than their white peers. And the ones who do enroll are more likely to drop out. It’s a tough situation, especially when you consider that nearly half of all jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree by 2031. We could be looking at some serious labor shortages if colleges don’t start getting more Hispanic students through their doors.
In places like the Kansas City metro area, where the Hispanic population is on the rise, colleges are starting to catch on. Take Kansas City Kansas Community College, for example. They’re reaching out to Hispanic students through Spanish-language ads and radio spots. It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s gonna take a lot more than that to bridge the gap.
One of the big challenges is that Hispanic families have a lower median income than white families. College might seem out of reach for a lot of these students. And on top of that, many Hispanic students are the first in their families to go to college. It’s a whole new world for them, and they’re navigating it without a lot of guidance.
But there are success stories out there, like Eddie Rivera. A decade ago, college wasn’t even on his radar. But with the help of a scholarship program for undocumented students, he’s now a junior at Dominican University, studying international relations and diplomacy. It’s stories like these that give us hope for the future.
Dominican University is going above and beyond to welcome Hispanic students. They’ve more than doubled the number of Hispanic students on campus in the last 10 years. They’ve got banners celebrating Hispanic alumni, mariachi bands for special events, and even a satellite campus in a Mexican American neighborhood in Chicago. They’re doing everything they can to make Hispanic students feel at home.
It’s not gonna be easy, though. The current political climate is making things even more complicated. The Trump administration has been cutting diversity programs and financial aid for undocumented students. And the recent Supreme Court ruling against racial preferences in admissions has colleges on edge. It’s a tough time to be a Hispanic student trying to make it in higher education.
But despite all the challenges, colleges need to step up their game when it comes to enrolling and supporting Hispanic students. It’s not just about filling seats—it’s about giving everyone a fair shot at success. The country can’t afford to leave anyone behind, especially not the students who have been overlooked for far too long. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.
