Trinidad State College (TSC) recently marked a milestone, celebrating 30 years as
a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The week-long celebration in Alamosa
and Trinidad coincided with National HSI Week, honoring the college's ongoing commitment
to fostering educational opportunities for Hispanic students and supporting the diverse
communities it serves in southern Colorado.
The celebration kicked off on Tuesday, September 10, with a special film screening of Cenicero, a powerful documentary by documentarian Rick Vigil that explores the history of southern Colorado’s Hispanic communities. Vigil himself was present to speak about the film, sharing his insights on the cultural heritage of the region. Attendees engaged in a dynamic discussion, reflecting on how local history has shaped the present-day experience of TSC’s students and faculty.
On Wednesday, TSC hosted a "Lunch-n-Learn" session that brought together a panel of distinguished alumni. These alumni, many of whom benefitted directly from the support systems and programs funded through HSI grants, shared their experiences at TSC and how the college played a key role in their personal and professional success.
September 12 saw a community celebration at TSC’s Alamosa Campus. The event featured lively performances from Mariachi San Luis, as well as a traditional dance performance by Semillas de la Tierra, bringing the rich cultural heritage of the region to life. Similar celebrations continued on Friday at the Trinidad campus, with both events drawing students, faculty, staff, and community members together to honor TSC’s legacy as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
History of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the U.S.
The term Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) was formally defined in 1992 under the Higher Education Act, as part of a federal initiative aimed at providing greater educational access to Hispanic and low-income students. Institutions are designated as HSIs if at least 25% of their undergraduate full-time student population identifies as Hispanic. Today, over 500 colleges and universities across the U.S. hold the HSI designation, collectively serving more than 2 million Hispanic students. Currently 44% of Trinidad State College’s students identify as Hispanic.
The HSI designation has not only helped institutions like Trinidad State secure federal funding but also established them as pillars of support in their communities, fostering educational success for Hispanic students and creating pathways for underserved populations.
Impact of HSI Funding on Small, Rural Colleges
For small, rural colleges like Trinidad State, HSI funding has been transformative. Located in a largely rural region of Colorado, TSC serves a population that might otherwise have limited access to higher education. The funding provided through HSI grants has allowed the college to develop programs that address the unique challenges faced by first-generation students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
These grants have enabled TSC to improve student retention, enhance academic support services, and offer scholarships to students who might not otherwise be able to afford a college education. The additional resources have also funded professional development for faculty and staff, ensuring that they are equipped to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.
“Our HSI designation and the funding we’ve received over the years have allowed us to expand opportunities for students and build stronger ties with the community,” said Victoria Martinez, Director of Title V for Trinidad State College. “We are deeply proud of our history as an HSI and remain committed to helping all students succeed.”
Looking to the Future
As Trinidad State College celebrates its 30th anniversary as an HSI, it remains focused on continuing to serve its diverse student population. The events of National HSI Week were not just a reflection on the past but also a look toward the future — a future in which TSC continues to grow as a leader in Hispanic education and community engagement.
For students like Brayan Florez, a first-generation college attendee, TSC represents more than just a place to earn a degree. “My experience at Trinidad State College has been very welcoming and fun. Being part of any race that are typically minorities, in my case Mexican, can be hard at times.”
As TSC moves forward, the legacy of its HSI designation will remain at the core of its mission: to provide access to quality education and promote the success of all its students, especially those from underserved communities.