YVC is designated by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. A Hispanic- Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as a non-profit institution that has at least 25% Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. Beginning in 2002, YVC received the designation along with a Title V grant allowing the college to strengthen the institution for all students and faculty. The college has received additional Title V grants in subsequent years and the funds allow YVC to focus on projects that range from student support programs to classroom technology.

Hispanic-Serving Institution Definition

A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as a non-profit institution that has at least 25% Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. In 2002, 2004, and 2006 Yakima Valley College received the designation (HSI) and three Title V grants allowing the college to strengthen the institution for all students and faculty. The additional funds allow YVC to focus on projects that range from student support programs to classroom technology.

Eligibility designation qualifies an institution of higher education to receive grants under the Title V and Title III, Part A, Programs, provided certain other program-specific eligibility requirements are met. Title V authorizes the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program. Title III, Part A, authorizes the Strengthening Institutions, American Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Institutional Development and Undergraduate Education Service administers both programs. Visit their Web site for additional information. In particular, visit the Title V Program Statute for legislation about Title V.

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Education has published a list of Postsecondary Minority Institutions, where you can also find a link to a list of “High Hispanic Enrollment“.

Program Description

The Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) Program provides grants to assist HSIs to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the attainment of, Hispanic students. These grants also enable HSIs to expand and enhance their academic offerings, program quality, and institutional stability.

Types of Projects

Funds may be used for activities such as: scientific or laboratory equipment for teaching; construction or renovation of instructional facilities; faculty development; purchase of educational materials; academic tutoring or counseling programs; funds and administrative management; joint use of facilities; endowment funds; distance learning academic instruction; teacher education; and student support services.

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program is NOT a scholarship or fellowship program for individuals or for research.