Yakima Valley College Gets Big Federal Grant To Improve Access

Yakima Valley College has received a big grant to help improve the enrollment and success of low-income and Hispanic students. The US Department of Education Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Grant entitled “Equitable Access to Learning” gives the local school $525,000 every year for the next five years. To be deemed an HSI, more than 50% of the college student population must receive federal financial aid and more than 25% must be Hispanic.  Additionally, institutional expenses per student must be less than the national average for similar institutions.  Currently, 79% of YVC students receive financial aid and 50% of YVC’s undergraduate students are Hispanic.