Across Florida, a host of educational institutions are championing Hispanic students through innovative RN to BSN programs and leadership initiatives. These schools are not only enhancing academic success but also fostering cultural pride and creating clear pathways for career advancement within healthcare and bursing.
AdventHealth University and Southeastern University
AdventHealth University (AHU) has earned its designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, with 35% of its undergraduates identifying as Hispanic. AHU offers personalized support for first-generation students and leverages additional federal funding to boost enrollment and retention.
Its partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund has awarded scholarships to students such as Maria Salcedo and Chantal Diaz, opening doors to careers within the AdventHealth system. Meanwhile, Southeastern University (SEU) has launched the Carrión Hispanic Leadership Center in collaboration with the National Latino Evangelical Coalition. SEU’s innovative Graduate Certificate in Ministry & Biblical Theology and the Avance Initiative for church leadership equip Hispanic and Latino church leaders to meet evolving community needs, reinforced by a recent $1.09 million grant.
See the full list at https://www.floridarntobsn.com/resources/hispanic-friendly-schools-for-rn-to-bsn-programs/
Tallahassee Community College and the University of Central Florida
Tallahassee Community College (TCC) demonstrates its commitment to equity through programs like the Hispanic Alliance for Talented Students (H.A.T.S.), which groups Hispanic students into cohorts for enriched learning and mentorship. TCC is also intensifying its recruitment of Hispanic professionals to enhance faculty diversity and better mirror its growing student population.
At the University of Central Florida (UCF), 28% of students are Hispanic. UCF excels in awarding bachelor’s degrees—ranking fourth nationally—and offers vibrant cultural and professional engagement opportunities, including the HSI Battle of the Brains event, a Latinx Leadership track, and international Study Abroad programs. A significant grant from Amazon further supports scholarships and research, particularly in tech fields.
Honorable Mentions: Celebrating Broader Community Impact
Additional institutions are also making notable strides. The University of Miami hosts cultural events and research initiatives that celebrate Hispanic heritage, while Valencia College leads with federal grants aimed at expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic students.
Florida International University serves as a major hub for Hispanic nursing education, and St. Thomas University offers a unique Family Nurse Practitioner pathway in a welcoming, culturally rich environment. Together, these schools contribute to building a diverse, skilled workforce that reflects the dynamic Hispanic community.
