Public institutions nationwide are striving to incorporate diversity in higher education. ISU has proved to excel in this realm as it is recognized as the leader for gains in Hispanic student graduation rates.

ISU has been named one of the top 25 public institutions in the nation and the only public university in Illinois for gains in Hispanic student graduation rates by The Education Trust’s most recent study.

The Education Trust is a national nonprofit organization that promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels, including pre-kindergarten through college.

According to their website, their goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement for young people and provide excellent means of obtaining education and degrees despite economic and geographic challenges for all students.

This official report covers the nation’s top 25 institutions that make the highest gains in Hispanic graduation rates. It takes into account the institution’s ability to close the graduation-rate gap between Hispanic and white students from 2004 to 2010.

The report was recently released as, “Advancing to Completion: Increasing degree attainment by improving graduation rates and closing gaps for Hispanic students” and proved that ISU has made positive strides toward closing the achievement gap and making a difference in higher education for all people.

In the report, ISU was listed as 19th in the nation for public universities making gains in graduation rates for Hispanic students while maintaining graduation rates for all other students.

“Data used from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics allowed for The Education Trust to put together the report,” The Education Trust website said.

The report suggests the population of Hispanic students has nearly doubled in public schools throughout the past six years.

The data shows the correlation between enrollment and graduation in that college enrollment and graduation rates of Hispanic students are not keeping pace and that rates are skyrocketing.

Not all institutions nation-wide are capable of keeping up with the demands of the changes occurring in relation to affirmative action, but ISU’s strong commitment to diversity provides for excellent reviews.