The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) brought its national engagement initiative to Southern California on Sept. 15, 2026, hosting "HACU on the Road: Destination Higher Education Success" in Los Angeles. The gathering convened higher education leaders, administrators, policymakers, and advocates from across the state to deliberate on critical pathways for institutional collaboration, legislative advocacy, and emerging partnership opportunities designed to elevate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
Hosted by the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) at East Los Angeles College, the day-long event served as a collaborative forum for educators and leaders dedicated to expanding equity and access for minority-serving institutions. The proceedings opened with official welcome remarks delivered by LACCD Chancellor Alberto J. Román, Ph.D., who emphasized the vital role that community colleges and regional universities play in shaping the educational landscape of California and supporting its diverse student populations.
Strengthening Advocacy and Policy for California’s HSIs
A central highlight of the day was a comprehensive luncheon fireside chat that brought together prominent leaders from HACCD and regional educational institutions. The discussion focused intensively on strengthening support systems and legislative advocacy for California’s network of HSIs. Participants examined strategic approaches for building a unified advocacy agenda capable of addressing systemic challenges at both the state and federal levels.
The conversation underscored the urgent necessity of ensuring that the unique needs of HSIs—and the millions of students they serve—remain a priority for policymakers, legislators, and educational stakeholders. The fireside chat featured a distinguished panel of leaders, including LACCD Chancellor Alberto J. Román; East Los Angeles College President Monte E. Perez, Ph.D.; San Bernardino Community College District Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations, Strategic Communications, and Grants Angel Rodriguez; and HACU Executive Vice President for Programs and Operations David Ortiz, Ph.D.
Following the panel presentation, a dynamic Q&A session allowed the audience of educators and community stakeholders to engage directly with the speakers. The discussion and interactive audience exchange were moderated by Fernando J. Guerra, Ph.D., a professor at Loyola Marymount University, who guided the dialogue toward actionable solutions for regional educational equity.
Spotlighting National Advocacy, Programs, and Institutional Resources
As part of its organizational mission, the HACU presentation during the event provided attendees with an in-depth look at the Association’s ongoing legislative advocacy efforts at the state and federal tiers. The briefing highlighted a broad spectrum of programs, professional services, student-focused initiatives, and institutional resources developed by HACU to bolster academic achievement and career readiness for Hispanic students.
Furthermore, the presentation served as a platform to explore new avenues for deepening cooperation among California’s extensive network of colleges and universities. By fostering closer alignment between two-year and four-year institutions, participants discussed how regional partnerships can create smoother transfer pipelines, enhance research opportunities, and expand workforce development initiatives aligned with the modern economy.
Legislative Honors Recognize Partnership in Advancing HSI Designation
A significant moment during the Los Angeles gathering was the presentation of special awards honoring key state legislators for their steadfast partnership and leadership in advancing higher education policy. State Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes and Assemblymember Mike Fong were formally recognized for their pivotal roles in championing Senate Bill 1255 (SB 1255).
The landmark legislation, championed by the lawmakers, focuses on establishing an official state-level Hispanic-Serving Institution designation in California. Supporters noted that a state-level recognition framework will provide crucial institutional visibility and open new pathways for targeted state support, resource allocation, and program funding tailored specifically to the needs of colleges and universities serving high concentrations of Hispanic students.
Promoting National and International Dialogue on Hispanic Higher Education
"HACU on the Road" is structured as an ongoing national and international initiative designed to stimulate continuous dialogue regarding the current state, trajectory, and future of Hispanic higher education. The convening series regularly brings together a diverse cross-section of educational leaders, including university and college chancellors and presidents, superintendents from Hispanic-Serving School Districts, corporate partners, and prominent advocates dedicated to the advancement of Hispanic learners.
By taking the conversation directly to regional hubs like Los Angeles, HACU aims to bridge the gap between national policy discussions and grassroots institutional realities, ensuring that regional leaders are equipped with the insights, networks, and advocacy tools necessary to drive student success.
Additional photographs capturing moments from the event, panel discussions, and award presentations can be viewed on HACU’s official Flickr page.
