Joliet, Ill. – In early 2023, the University of St. Francis earned the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation by the U.S. Department of Education for having an undergraduate full-time equivalent student population that is comprised of at least 25 percent Hispanic students. The project serves USF’s more than 1,200 undergraduate students, 30% of whom are Hispanic, 40% of whom are Pell-eligible, and 64% of whom are first-generation college students.
With the designation, USF was able to apply for and has since been awarded Title V Developing HSIs (DHSI) funding in the form of a grant worth close to $3M over five years. Ninety percent of DHSI program costs are being financed with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education, while 10% of DHSI program are financed by USF.
September 8-14, 2025 is recognized and observed as National HSI week by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. The purpose of HIS week is to raise awareness of the role HSIs have in advancing education for Hispanic students, promoting equity for all students through inclusive learning environments, and supporting communities by developing a skilled workforce.
The University of St. Francis is honored to participate in the recognition of HSI week as an institution devoted to advancing education and opportunities for traditionally underserved students. The campus community will be hosting activities on campus to raise awareness of HSI week, including participating in the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Downtown Joliet on Saturday, September 13.
For more information on the University of St. Francis’s initiatives and projects related to being a Hispanic Serving Institution, visit stfrancis.edu/hsi.
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