SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC), a cornerstone of the Western Massachusetts community with a long-standing commitment to supporting and fostering diversity, is pleased to announce that it has reached the enrollment threshold for Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Official recognition of HSI status, granted by the U.S. Department of Education to not-for-profit, degree-granting institutions with at least 25% of their full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate enrollment identifying as Hispanic, is expected within the next two years.

Since its establishment in 1885, AIC has provided access to higher education for underserved populations. This mission was bolstered by the 2022 launch of AIC Reimagined, a five-year strategic plan that prioritized achieving HSI designation. As of Fall 2024, Hispanic/Latino students represent more than 27% of AIC’s undergraduate enrollment, a landmark achievement for the institution.

“This milestone is a testament to AIC’s long-standing commitment to serving students from historically underrepresented backgrounds and to our mission of access and opportunity for all,” said Interim President Nicolle Cestero. “Achieving this designation will allow us to strengthen our support for Hispanic and Latino/Latina students while further fostering the inclusive campus environment where every student can thrive.”

While the growth in Hispanic and Latino/Latina student enrollment has positioned AIC to pursue this designation, the College remains committed to cultivating a vibrant community that serves students from all backgrounds. HSI status will provide access to federal and foundation grants, expanding resources to benefit the entire student body.

Campus leaders engaged in the work toward HSI designation were encouraged by the news of reaching the enrollment benchmark. Among them was Carmaris Denson, co-chair of the College’s HSI Committee and assistant director of the AIC Core Education Program (ACE), which provides support for first-generation college students. Denson highlighted the critical role of service in achieving the HSI designation. “The most crucial part of HSI is the ‘S’—serving. Our goal is to intentionally streamline access to education, resources, and support in a culturally responsive way, ensuring that our Hispanic/Latino students feel welcome and develop a stronger sense of belonging at AIC. By doing so, we can create a service model that benefits all students,” said Denson.

AIC’s journey to HSI status began in 2015 when the College was first recognized as an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. This milestone mirrors the growth of the Hispanic population in the Springfield area, where 47.8% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino/Latina, according to the latest census data. Between 2010 and 2020, the Hispanic or Latino population in Springfield grew by 19%, aligning with statewide trends.

According to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, there were a total of 600 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across the nation and Puerto Rico in the 2022-23 academic year, the most recent listing available. Of these, 180 were private, non-profit, four-year institutions. In Western Massachusetts, however, no traditional, private, four-year institution held this designation.