Championing Latino Student Success at SBVC

San Bernardino Valley College proudly holds the designation of a federally recognized Hispanic Serving Institution - and reaffirms its commitment to empowering Latinx students through equity, support, and excellence.

HSI Taskforce

SBVC HSI Task Force

Mission Statement

To collaboratively uplift and empower our Hispanic, Latina/o/x/e, and Chicana/o/x/e student communities at SBVC by developing intentional, equity-driven, and data-informed recommendations that strengthen student success, belonging, cultural pride, and leadership—while advancing the college’s HSI identity and commitment to diversity, inclusive excellence, and anti-racism.

 

Vision Statement

To be a model Hispanic-Serving Institution that actively demonstrates what it means to truly serve—uplifting and empowering our Hispanic, Latina/o/x/e, and Chicana/o/x/e students by expanding opportunities for success, creating spaces where each person’s unique sense of belonging is honored, and building cultural community traditions that enrich the college. We will own and celebrate our spaces, welcome students as their authentic selves, and foster pathways where they thrive academically, personally, and culturally.

HSI Taskforce Timeline of Key Milestones (Spring–Fall 2025)

May 15, 2025 – HSI Taskforce Kickoff Meeting

Initial convening of the Taskforce to introduce purpose, establish priorities, and begin collective planning.

June 26, 2025 – Visit with Dr. Gina Garcia

National HSI scholar Dr. Gina Garcia met with the Taskforce to provide expertise, guidance, and a framework for moving forward.

August 13, 2025 – HSI Meeting: Establish Mission & Vision

Taskforce meeting dedicated to creating a mission and vision statement to serve as guiding principles for all future efforts.

August 15, 2025 – Finalize COLEGAS Conference Attendees

Taskforce finalized list of members who will attend the November COLEGAS Conference to represent SBVC and bring back actionable strategies.

August 21, 2025 – Convocation Week Presentation

HSI Taskforce presented progress, goals, and opportunities for faculty input during Convocation Week.

August 22, 2025 – Opening Day Campus Update

Shared an update with the full campus community, highlighting HSI priorities and reinforcing our institutional commitment.

September 3, 2025 – HSI Webpage Established

SBVC launched a dedicated HSI Taskforce webpage to share mission, vision, updates, and resources with the campus community.

September 16, 2025 – First Official Fall Semester Taskforce Meeting

The Taskforce convened for its first full fall meeting to develop intentional recommendations, establish a mission and vision, and begin formalizing action items.

Learn More

A Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) is defined under U.S. federal law as an accredited, non‑profit college or university where at least 25% of undergraduate full‑time equivalent students identify as Hispanic or Latino, and a substantial portion of the student body comes from low‑income backgrounds.

HSI designation opens eligibility for Title V / Developing HSI federal grants, which support academic programs, faculty development, student support, and institutional capacity, all aimed at improving outcomes for Latino and low-income students

Since meeting the HSI criteria, including over 66.9% Hispanic/Latinx student enrollment and a major portion from low-income households, SBVC has been officially designated as an HSI by the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by HACU.

This designation helps SBVC:

  • Secure federal grant funding for academic and support services

  • Strengthen student retention, transfer, and graduation pathways

  • Build culturally responsive services and curriculum that support Latino student success

  • Reinforce SBVC’s identity as a reflection of its diverse community

SBVC actively uses HSI resources in initiatives like:

HSI status acknowledges and elevates SBVC’s commitment to:

  • Enhancing equity by closing opportunity gaps for Latino and low-income students

  • Offering targeted support resources that benefit all students including STEM mentoring, first‑generation advising, and family outreach

  • Strengthening partnerships with regional institutions like CSUSB to support student transfer and success in four‑year degrees

  • Celebrating Latinx heritage and reinforcing inclusive campus culture

In California and the Inland Empire - home to many HSIs - this work is essential in addressing longstanding disparities in educational access and achievement.

SBVC continues to expand and refine its HSI-driven work through:

  • Annual self-evaluations aligned with Title V/outcomes-based metrics

  • Developing new grant proposals and renewing existing grants

  • Increasing outreach to prospective Latinx students and caregiving families

  • Partnering with campus units to integrate cultural responsiveness across instruction, support, and leadership

Questions? Want to get involved?

Uvaldo Sifuentes
Dr. Irene Sanchez