PCC’s CALI Program named national finalist by Excelencia in Education
Story by Misty Bouse. Submitted photos.
The College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI) at Portland Community College has been named a national finalist for the 2025 Examples of Excelencia, a prestigious recognition from Excelencia in Education.
“This is a significant milestone for our institution, primarily as we strategically work towards achieving Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation from our current Emerging HSI status,” said PCC Dean of College Access Programs Efraín Rivas-Flores. “Our program will now be made part of Excelencia’s ‘Growing What Works Database’ based on outcomes, strategy, and scalability.”
CALI students team building at Rock Creek.
The initiative provides support and guidance to Latino/a/x and Indigenous (Mexico, Central and South American, and the Caribbean) students seeking to further their education at PCC by completing a certificate, degree or transfer to a four-year university. Students receive first-year college support and guidance, a laptop, and mentoring and connections to programs of support (within and outside PCC).
“Reaching my 10 years at PCC is a proud milestone, especially now as the Latiné student success coordinator for CALI and the Dreamers’ Resource Center,” said Liz Mota. “As a college student, I often felt disconnected and rarely saw my Latina identity reflected or uplifted. Today, I’m honored to help create the spaces I once longed for, where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
Mota said CALI fosters inclusive spaces, strengthens family engagement, and centers the voices of DREAMers, DACA recipients, and mixed-status students.
“As a first-generation college graduate and proud member of the Latiné community, this recognition is deeply personal,” Rivas-Flores said. “It reflects the resilience and brilliance of those we serve and strengthens my commitment to building systems where our students feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.”
CALI was selected from numerous national submissions for its intentionality and impact in effectively serving Latiné, and all students. An external committee reviewed CALI for potential selection as the 2025 Example of Excelencia at the associate level. Excelencia in Education is a national network of program leaders dedicated to intentionally serving Latiné students. The organization fosters collaboration and professional development through exclusive, evidence-based events and communities of practice.
“CALI being named a national finalist for Examples of Excelencia is an incredible honor that affirms the heart of our collective work, creating culturally responsive, community-driven pathways for Latiné and all students and families,” he added.
For more information College Access Latinx Initiative.