Ukiah, CA - Mendocino College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $2.6 million Hispanic Serving Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education through a highly competitive process. The grant will support the college's ongoing efforts to enhance student success and retention, with a specific focus on supporting Latinx students.

“Mendocino College is committed to improving retention and program success for its Hispanic and minority students,” said Congressman Jared Huffman. “The METAS Project will provide research-based strategies with a focus on equity to increase academic and counseling services for success in college and careers. I’m glad to have been able to support the college in their application for this federal grant from the U.S. Dept of Education – it’s going to mean a lot to the college and the many bright minds who will benefit from the program.”

The grant will be used to fund a range of initiatives, including increasing the retention rate of first-year students, increasing the percentage of students completing core transfer courses, reducing the number of units completed by degree- or transfer-seeking students, training staff in student retention best practices, and increasing the total percentage of students completing a degree or transfer. These initiatives will help Mendocino College continue to provide high-quality education and support to its diverse student body.

"We are incredibly grateful to receive this grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which will provide critical resources to support our efforts to improve student success and equity," said Mendocino College President, Dr. Tim Karas. "With this funding, we will be able to strengthen our institutional systems and services to support the success of Latino students, improving retention, re-enrollment, follow-up, and degree/transfer completion.”

Mendocino College serves two counties, including 51 towns and cities in one of the most isolated regions in California. The average student population at Mendocino College is 6,800. While Mendocino County has a 26% Latinx population, and Lake County 22%, Latinx students at Mendocino College account for 41% of all enrollments, a 4% increase since 2012.

The HSI program supports colleges and universities that have a significant Latinx student population by providing grants to fund educational and support programs. Mendocino College was selected for this highly competitive grant based on its demonstrated commitment to serving Latinx students and its success in advancing their academic and career goals.

"We are excited to use this grant to help our students achieve their goals and pursue their dreams," said Dr. Karas. "Mendocino College has a long history of serving our community, and this grant will enable us to build on that legacy and continue to provide transformative educational opportunities for all of our students."

For more information about Mendocino College and its programs and services, please visit the college's website at www.mendocino.edu.