[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS

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                               speech of

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, investing in a sound education is one 
of the most important things that we can do to give a child the tools 
to get ahead in life. I am proud to have been an original cosponsor of 
H. Res. 561 Recognizing the Contributions of Hispanic-Serving 
Institutions. These institutions of higher learning are an integral 
part of America's commitment to quality education for all Americans.
  South Florida students, in particular, have benefitted from the 
academic excellence ``Hispanic-serving institutions'' (HSI) strive to 
provide to their students. We are talking about schools, in which 
student enrollment must is at least 25 percent Hispanic, with at least 
50 percent of these Hispanic students from low-income families. While 
comprising only 5 percent of all institutions of postsecondary 
education, Hispanic-serving institutions enroll 49 percent of Hispanic-
American students. These institutions have devoted themselves to ensure 
that these underrepresented students receive the same opportunities and 
quality of learning as their peers who come from higher socio-economic 
backgrounds, and for that these schools deserve every praise.
  Most recently, on September 3, 2002, the U.S. Department of Education 
awarded two grants totaling more than $3 million to Florida 
International University (FIU) for programs to expand the University's 
capacity to serve Hispanic and low-income students and provide pre-
collegiate opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. I 
am proud that FIU is a part of the South Florida community. It has 
proven through its long and distinguished history as an HSI, that 
administering programs effectively addressing the educational needs of 
underrepresented and underserved students, leads to these students 
becoming positive contributors to our society.
  There is an ever-growing number of post-secondary institutions that 
are striving to serve our nation's Latino population. Throughout the 
nation more and more institutions of higher education are reaching out 
to and enrolling an increasing proportion of Spanish-speaking students. 
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the enrollment of 
Hispanic American students in college is growing twice as quickly as 
college enrollments in general. Many of these students are learning 
English as a second language, and come from families where Spanish is 
primarily spoken. These institutions provide a comfortable and 
nurturing setting in which to acclimate primarily Spanish-speaking 
students with their English-speaking peers. Therein, all students from 
various backgrounds can further develop their academic skills.
  I commend HSIs for the opportunities they provide to Hispanic 
students and also to low-income students. I also commend their graduate 
and professional programs which are designed to improve and expand 
graduate and professional opportunities for Hispanic students and other 
students.
  Today's students are our country's future and, therefore, our 
investment in a sound educational system is crucial.

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