July 18, 2019

Castro Introduces the HERE Act, Legislation Supporting Hispanic Students and Institutions for College and Beyond

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, today introduced the HERE Act, legislation that would create a new grant program to support partnerships and collaboration between Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and school districts that educate the majority of Hispanic students, so that they can better prepare and empower their students for a changing, global economy:

“At a time when more and more Hispanics are entering college, this legislation would guarantee that Hispanic students are prepared for college and beyond, enhancing these students’ potential for achievements in education and much more,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20). “There’s an undeniable achievement gap that targets Hispanics as they graduate and enter into the college admission process. Education is a group effort and requires commitment from family, friends and peers. This legislation puts the tools in place to empower all of our communities to support our kids, and strengthens their commitment to help them attain their goals and achieve their dreams.”

Background: Hispanics currently comprise 18.2% of the U.S. population and by 2060, it’s expected to rise to 28.6%. Since a majority of the Hispanic population is younger than 35, it is imperative that we start addressing the large achievement gap that Hispanics face in college admission and completing their education. This bill provides support for a number of activities between HSIs and school districts, including:

  • Creating a college-going culture among eligible students;
  • Providing academic support to prepare students for postsecondary education, prevent the need for postsecondary remediation, and provide high quality postsecondary remediation;
  • Supporting eligible students through the college application and transition process;
  • Addressing non-academic needs that serve as barriers to college enrollment, persistence, and completion.

# # #