Overview and History

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) was established in 1986 with a founding membership of eighteen institutions.  Because of HACU’s exemplary leadership on behalf of the nation’s youngest and fastest-growing population, the Association rapidly grew in numbers and national impact.

Today, HACU represents more than 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain and Portugal.  Although our member institutions in the U. S. represent less than 10% of all higher education institutions nationwide, together they are home to more than two-thirds of all Hispanic college students.  HACU is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).

In 1992, HACU led the effort to convince Congress to formally recognize campuses with high Hispanic enrollment as federally designated HSIs and to begin targeting federal appropriations to those campuses.   (Click here for more information about the differences between HACU's definition of HSIs and the federal definition of HSIs under Title V of the Higher Education Act.)

Soon after, HACU and its allies were instrumental in convincing Congress to appropriate money specifically for HSIs.  For the first time ever, HSIs were granted $12 million in 1995 from federal resources.  Since then, funding has increased significantly because of HACU’s persistent advocacy.  In 2006, for example, $94.9 million were awarded to HSIs from Title V of the Higher Education Act.  HACU has recommended $175 million be appropriated for fiscal year 2007.

Our nation's economic and social success rests on the level of skills and knowledge attained by Hispanics, now the nation's largest minority population.  Education, indisputably, is the key.  HACU is committed to Hispanic success in education, from kindergarten through graduate school and into the work force of tomorrow.  Everyone has a stake in HACU’s crucial goals: to promote the development of member colleges and universities; to improve access to and the quality of postsecondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students; and to meet the needs of business, industry and government through the development and sharing of resources, information and expertise.

HACU Initiatives

With the help of HACU’s Office of Government Relations in Washington, D.C., HACU maintains more than 30 formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Partnership Agreements with federal agencies, offices, and business organizations.  HACU also provides assistance and outreach to HSIs by hosting technical assistance workshops throughout the country on available federal program grants and other resources.

HACU's new Western Regional Office in Sacramento, California, offers support for state level advocacy and program work in the western United States.  Additional regional offices are being planned for the future.

HACU’s Office of Capacity-Building Initiatives coordinates collaborative projects funded by federal agencies, corporations, and foundations in conjunction with HSIs.  These programs fund faculty development, faculty and student research opportunities, and precollegiate math, science, engineering and technology programs.  These programs have also included model college preparation and financial aid awareness programs for middle school students and parents, as well as HSI workforce development initiatives.

HACU’s Office of Information Technology Initiatives (OITI) provides technological assistance to member and partner higher education institutions to enhance their capacity in information technology.  OITI promotes, educates, assists and facilitates the use of information technology for teaching, learning, research and administration at member institutions through cutting-edge partnerships and initiatives.

HACU Conferences

HACU’s conferences and special events each year provide a vital platform for advocacy, information, collaboration, and recognition.  These events include the annual Capitol Forum each spring in Washington, D.C., and HACU’s Annual Conferences.    The 12th Annual Capitol Forum is scheduled for March 25-27, 2007.  HACU's 20th Annual Conference, "20 Years of Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success," will be October 28-31, 2006 in San Antonio, Texas.  Student participation, especially at the Annual Conference, has been an important new dimension in recent years.  The 7th International Conference is being planned for May 3-5, 2007 at the Universidad de Alcalá de Henares outside of Madrid, Spain.

Thousands of young Hispanics benefit from HACU with internships, scholarships, college retention and advancement programs, precollegiate support, and career development opportunities and programs.  We truly are the champions of Hispanic success in higher education.

Learn More

You can learn more about HACU at www.HACU.net