The Maricopa County Community College District is recognizing National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week through Sept. 17.

The MCCCD celebration coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month.

“We are proud to have all 10 of our colleges designated as HSIs,” MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, said.

“We join an elite group of colleges and universities nationwide with this recognition that have made it their mission to break down barriers so that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to pursue higher education.”

In 2021-22, Arizona had 21 accredited and degree-granting higher education institutions that received the U.S. Department of Education HSI designation, according to the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities.

"This nationwide recognition highlights colleges and universities with 25% or more of the total undergraduate enrollment of Hispanic and Latino/a/x students," an MCCCD release stated.