Aims Community College Affiliates with Excelencia in Education Presidents for Latino Student Success Network

Dr. Leah L. Borenstein, CEO and President of Aims Community College, has joined the national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS). The network is a program of Excelencia in Education, a leading organization dedicated to advancing the success of Latino students in higher education. 

P4LSS comprises presidents and chancellors committed to making their campuses learning environments where Latinos and all students thrive. Dr. Borenstein joins more than 150 leaders from the P4LSS network. Through P4LSS, she will collaborate with Excelencia and other postsecondary leaders to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts to accelerate national Latino student success in higher education. 

“As we collaborate with Excelencia and fellow institutions, we’re committed to leveraging this powerful alliance to enhance our programs and initiatives,” Dr. Bornstein said.  “My goal is to ensure that every Aims student feels supported, valued, and equipped to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors."

Approximately 32 percent of Aims students identify as Hispanic or Latino. Aims has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is currently working on developing an implementation plan. The partnership with Excelencia is the first step in creating a strategy that aligns with best practices and successful techniques.  Some of the initial programs Aims is pursuing include: 

• expanding the use of Spanish-language course materials
• creating curriculum designed to support students whose primary language is Spanish
• developing training opportunities for faculty to better serve Spanish-speaking learners

Aims is working toward a Seal of Excelencia Certification. It is a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to proactively and intentionally serve Latino students. An institution that earns the Seal certification demonstrates alignment across the three core areas of data, practice, and leadership. 

“Institutional leadership focused on intentionally serving Latino and all students is the hallmark of the presidents and chancellors in this network," said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education. “We are proud to catalyze and support them as they advance student success and grow talent for our country’s bright future." 

To learn more about the Presidents for Latino Student Success network and other institutional leaders across the country affiliated with Excelencia, visit EdExcelencia.org/leadership/presidents-latino-student-success.