Latino student success earns CBU White House recognition

Christian Brothers University in Memphis is making waves in higher education with their programs for Hispanic students. The University was recently recognized by White House representatives for their efforts in leveling the playing field for Hispanic students through students through two pioneering programs. 
 

Alejandra Ceja, the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanics, was joined by John King, Senior Advisor Delegated Duties of Deputy Secretary of Education at the U.S. Department of Education, to praise the University for answering the call to make education more accessible for the under served Hispanic community. 

The programs at CBU aid students financially, academically, and socially in order to provide a well-rounded education for students who might otherwise be left behind. The Latino Student Success Program is a privately funded alternative to federal and state student scholarship and loan programs, for which many Hispanic students are ineligible because of unknown residency. Christian Brothers students are stepping up to the plate as well by creating the student-led organization Hola CBU, which works to foster a "robust community for Hispanic students on campus." Fatima Escobar founded the organization when she realized that only 16-20 percent of the Hispanic community in Tennessee earned a college degree. 
 

CBU President John Smarrelli said the University is grateful to accept the recognition, "Today is a proud day for CBU; but it is not an unlikely one. Each day, we work diligently among students, faculty and staff to serve and give back to the Memphis community."
 

Smarrelli also announced that CBU is committing $12 million dollars over the next seven years in order to launch the next phase of the Latino Student Success Program, thanks in part to an annonymous grant of $3.6 million. This expanded funding will aid in serving over 100 Hispanic students at the University. Dr. Paul Haught, Vice President of Academics and Student Life, said CBU "continues to advocate for the education of all who stand to benefit their community by gaining the benefits of higher education."
 

If more universities followed suit and worked to aid the under served Hispanic community, statistics like the one that shocked Escobar could be turned on their heads.