Torres Pushes to Create Opportunities for Students at Inland Empire Hispanic Serving Institutions
HSIs receive nearly 30 percent less federal dollars per student compared to other institutions of higher education
Appropriations bill increases funding for HSIs by nearly 20 percent
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced that the Fiscal Year 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Related Agencies Appropriations Bill contains her priorities to provide area students with opportunities to pursue higher education at the Inland Empire's Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), which include Cal Poly Pomona, Chaffey College, California State University-San Bernardino, and the University of California-Riverside. The legislation increases funding for HSIs by $26 million for a total of $150 million.
"For Hispanic students pursuing a bachelor's degree, it can often feel like the odds are stacked against them. Hispanic Serving Institutions are a key link in the chain to help these students overcome financial, cultural, and educational barriers to embark on a successful college career," said Torres. "This investment will equip our local colleges and universities with the resources to empower students to get ahead in our 21st century economy."
The increased funding would enable institutions to purchase laboratory equipment, construct instructional facilities, support faculty development, and provide academic tutoring/counseling programs and student support services, such as outreach, mentoring, and fellowships. The funding could also be used to improve the financial and economic literacy of students and strengthen curriculum development. In March, Torres sent a letter of support for the increased funding request for HSIs. The legislation also rejects President Trump's budget proposal to consolidate HSI and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) into a single MSI grant program.
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