Mendocino College is pleased to announce it was recently awarded a five-year, 2.2 million dollar Developing Hispanic Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education through a highly competitive process. The goal of this grant is to better serve Latino and high-need students at Mendocino College’s four educational sites in Mendocino and Lake Counties.

With this federal Title V grant, Mendocino College will further develop a culture that promotes, expedites, and values student success among Hispanic and all other students. Mendocino College will achieve this goal through a comprehensive First Year Institute program for incoming students. The grant will ensure a seamless transition from high school to college, fund additional outreach services, and provide additional counseling support for all students. With these funds the College will also strengthen instructional programs and student services to improve student retention, persistence and completion; augment continuous professional development for all college personnel to increase equitable and culturally competent educational practices; and advance the College’s access, equity and social justice initiatives by promoting greater understanding and appreciation for diverse races and cultures.

“We’re extremely excited to receive this Hispanic Serving Institution grant to support our College! These funds provide a wonderful opportunity to better serve all Mendocino College students and particularly our under-represented students! The additional resources will go a long way toward changing our students’ lives through exceptional educational experiences and culturally appropriate practices in student services,” says Mendocino College Superintendent/President Arturo Reyes.

As the primary higher education choice for our region, Mendocino College provides access to many Hispanic/Latino students. This grant will allow us to help all students overcome any barriers they face while enrolling and attending Mendocino College and prepare them to succeed at four-year institutions.

In order to be eligible, an institution of higher education must have a Hispanic student population of 25%, which Mendocino College achieved in 2011.  For the 2015-2016 academic year, the average student population at Mendocino College was 6,204 with 31% of those students identified as Hispanic. The 2016-17 incoming class was over 40% Latino.  

Mendocino College cites outreach to the Hispanic/Latino population as one of its primary goals under its Educational Action Plan, revised in 2015.  In both Lake and Mendocino counties, it is imperative that the growing Hispanic population experience the same support and opportunities as other student groups.

Mendocino College – a place dedicated above all else to student success – has served most of Mendocino County and the northern part of Lake County for forty-two years.  The Ukiah campus, North County Center, Mendocino Coast Center and Lake Center all offer a wide range of coursework for students.  For more information on the College, and the variety of initiatives offered, please visit mendocino.edu.