College students participate in HACU’s 31st Annual Capitol Forum Student Track

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities hosted the HSInnovators Student Track for more than 75 participants from colleges and universities across the country as part of HACU's 31st Annual Capitol Forum, held April 21-22, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Students attended preconference sessions to learn more about advocating for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the vital role these colleges and universities play in educating 6 million students.

The session, "Successfully Advocating for Hispanic-Serving Institutions," provided students with an opportunity to develop a briefing approach for their meetings with members of Congress. A pitch competition also gave students the chance to present their ideas and receive feedback on clarity, persuasiveness, relevant to HSI advocacy.

Students will attend the Capitol Forum plenaries and participate in Capitol Hill visits, meeting with their Congress members, alongside other attendees from their home institutions.

Students from HACU's advocacy and leadership program Voces Nuevas, were also in attendance at the Capitol Forum. The 15 students and their schools are:

Adams State University - Nicole B.
California State University, Long Beach - Dory I.
Chapman University - Maria C.
Central Washington University - Paulina M.
Miami Dade College - David R.
Northern Arizona University - Jennifer A
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark Campus - Kelsey D.
Saint Xavier University - Kathryn K.
San Diego State University - Julian M.
Santa Clara University - Dayana C.
St. Edward's University - Alonzo E.
Universidad del Sagrado Corazon - Charielly R.
University of Central Florida - Ornella V.
University of Houston-Downtown - Vicente F.
University of Illinois Chicago - Gilberto C.

To view images from the event, click here.