More than 100 UNM students, many representing minority support programs on campus, gathered in the SUB Ballroom Friday afternoon, Feb. 18, to hear U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) describe new legislation he recently introduced - legislation aimed at strengthening Hispanic serving institutions like the University of New Mexico.
The Next Generation Hispanic Serving Institutions Act, introduced by both Bingaman and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), would increase the amount of funding currently available to HSIs; would make it easier for qualified institutions to access the funding; and for the first time, would provide funding to support graduate programs.
“New Mexico’s Hispanic Serving institutions do a great job preparing undergraduate students for successful careers,” says Bingaman. “Now it’s time to take the next step and make a significant investment in helping encourage Hispanic students to do graduate work.”
During his welcoming remarks, UNM President Louis Caldera reminded the group that Hispanic Americans still have the lowest participation in higher education and that resources dedicated to reversing that trend are welcome.
The Next Generation Hispanic Serving Institutions Act would set aside $175 million for HSIs’ undergraduate programs annually, with another $125 million authorized for graduate programs.
Bingaman has represented New Mexico in the Senate since 1982. He was one of the authors of the original Hispanic Serving Institutions proposal that provided federal support for schools with high percentages of Hispanic students.
Contact: Susan McKinsey (505) 277-1989