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MCC Daily Tribune

President's Wednesday Message

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, a time dedicated to recognizing the incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals in our culture, communities, and country. Throughout the month, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accountability and the PRISM Multicultural Center will be hosting programs that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting individual achievements and promoting cultural awareness.

MCC is a proud member of Excelencia in Education's Presidents for Latino Student Success and supports Excelencia's work in promoting strategies, programs, and partnerships that increase educational outcomes. The majority of Hispanic students in higher education begin in community colleges (41%), and in Fall 2018, 11% of MCC students were Hispanic. According to Excelencia data, New York has the fourth largest Latinx population in the U.S. In our state, 43% of all adults have an associate degree or higher, but the percentage among Latino and Latina adults is considerably lower: 24%. In part, this is driven by a New York college graduation rate that is almost 20 points lower among Latinx students as compared to their White peers.

These disparities do not result from a lack of talent or academic abilities among the students. Research tells us that other variables such as creating a sense of belonging, providing institutional supports, and removing barriers are equally important to creating an environment of success for Latinx students. Given this knowledge, it is clear that not only MCC, but all of our colleges in New York have room to improve how we welcome and serve Hispanic students and how we commit to achieving equity in outcomes. So, this month, I hope you will take some time to learn more about exemplary practices in improving Latinx student success and more about the varied and rich culture of our Hispanic students and colleagues.

MCC's diversity is at the heart of our strength and excellence, and I thank you for being mindful in your commitment to turn access into opportunity for the full diversity of our community.

Please share your thoughts on the blog.

Anne Kress
Office of the President
09/25/2019