Purpose of Hispanic Serving Institutions Program

The Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Program provides grants to assist Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) to expand educational opportunities for, and improve the academic attainment of, Hispanic students. HSI Program grants also enable HSIs to expand and enhance the academic offerings, program quality, and institutional stability of colleges and universities that are educating the majority of Hispanic college students and help large numbers of Hispanic students and other low-income individuals complete postsecondary degrees.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville received a five year Title V grant from the US Department of Education starting October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2025 through a competitive grant process. The Fostering Pathways to Success (FP2S) grant project will provide students and TAMUK Stakeholders with pathways that foster retention, persistence and completion to graduation through student-centered high-impact practices.

Goal 1 addresses the need to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students that will participate in undergraduate research, internships, and financial literacy workshops. The Association of American Colleges and Universities identifies both internships* and undergraduate research* as high-impact practices that increase student retention rates, student engagement, and graduation.

 Goal 2 addresses the need to provide professional development to faculty interested in redesigning their course to include classroom-based undergraduate research through a High- Impact Practices in Higher Education Conference held annually. Through this initiative, faculty will acquire knowledge and skills to enhance student learning via classroom-based research.  Additionally, Goal 2 will facilitate collaborative series of meetings between TAMUK Stakeholders and surrounding area employers to create academic plans that address industry required marketable skills.

 Goal 3 will provide Hispanic and low-income students an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through a Design, Explore, and Create (DEC) Makerspace Studio. This space will invite users to explore traditional and digital media, interact with mentors and peers, engage in creative projects, help students develop their creativity and collaboration skills, implement project-based learning, and promote campus learning spaces effectively.

Title V HSI Grant #P031S200040

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education under the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program for $3,000,000

October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2025