WSU Tech Achieves Federal Designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution

The college is now eligible for new funding opportunities to support student success.

WICHITA, KS — The U.S. Department of Education has officially designated Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). With over 25% of its student body identifying as Hispanic, this recognition highlights WSU Tech’s focus on providing educational opportunities for Hispanic and Latino students. The HSI designation also opens the door to additional federal funding through competitive grants to enhance academic programs and student services at institutions serving a significant Hispanic population.

“This designation is not just about recognition; it is about strengthening our ability to build a skilled workforce and supporting the growing Hispanic community in Wichita,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “By investing in programs and resources for Hispanic and Latino students, we create pathways to high-demand careers that benefit both our students and the local economy.”

The U.S. Department of Education defines an HSI as an institution of higher education with an undergraduate full-time equivalent enrollment of at least 25% Hispanic students. WSU Tech has seen a consistent, steady increase in Hispanic/Latino students over the past several years. In fall 2019, Hispanic/Latino student headcount enrollment was at 943 and reached 1371 in fall 2023, a 45.4% increase.

WSU Tech actively pursued this designation by incorporating it into its three-year strategic plan and appointing Samuel Nava as the Director of Hispanic-Serving Initiatives and Community Navigators earlier this year. Nava has been instrumental in creating programs and increasing community involvement to better support Hispanic students and their families, paving the way for this significant achievement.

“This designation reflects our work with the community,” said Samuel Nava, Director of Hispanic-Serving Initiatives and Community Navigators at WSU Tech. “Through creating targeted programs and services, like the community navigators, we have built trust and provided meaningful support to Hispanic students and their families.”

Several initiatives have been critical in WSU Tech’s journey to become an HSI, all aimed at increasing educational access and opportunities for Hispanic students and the broader community:

  • Community Navigators in Local Resource Centers: In 2022, WSU Tech placed community navigators in neighborhood resource centers across Wichita, including the Evergreen Community Center and Library in north Wichita, a historically Hispanic and Latino neighborhood. The Navigators assist potential students and their families with enrollment, financial aid, and other college resources, ensuring they have the tools and information to be successful.
  • High School Programs for Hispanic Students: WSU Tech offers college programs in local high schools, allowing students—regardless of immigration status—to earn college credits. The tuition-free career and technical education (CTE) programs are especially impactful for schools with high Hispanic enrollment, helping to reduce costs and accelerate students’ paths to degree completion.
  • Elimination of Out-of-State Tuition: To increase affordability, WSU Tech eliminated out-of-state tuition for students from neighboring states, including those with significant Hispanic populations. This policy makes WSU Tech’s high-quality programs more accessible and affordable to a broader audience.

With the HSI designation, WSU Tech is now eligible for federal grants to further enhance support services and educational programs for Hispanic students. The college plans to expand partnerships with local Hispanic organizations and develop tailored programs to meet Hispanic and Latino students’ unique needs.

About WSU Tech
As Wichita State University’s Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research hub, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu.

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