Union County Review

Kean University has been selected for the VOLARÉ Institute, a new research initiative aimed at increasing participation in STEM fields at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). This selection places Kean among 21 institutions chosen by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), highlighting its commitment to empowering Hispanic students and promoting academic excellence.

“Kean’s selection for the VOLARÉ Institute highlights our growing role as a leader in the Hispanic higher education community,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “As New Jersey’s urban research university, we are proud to be at the forefront of supporting significant research for the communities we serve, driving student success, and building a future where Hispanic students thrive in STEM fields and beyond.”

The VOLARÉ Institute aims to cultivate new researchers at HSIs, particularly in STEM disciplines. Kean's involvement aligns with its mission to advance equity and inclusion for underserved communities. This initiative coincides with Kean celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month amid record enrollment numbers and robust student support programs.

This fall, Kean University saw an increase of over 500 Hispanic students, bringing total Hispanic enrollment to 5,178—approximately 37% of the student body. This marks a 10% increase in Hispanic enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year, with Hispanic women now making up nearly one-fourth of all students at Kean.

Carlos Rodriguez, Ed.D., Vice President of Administration at Kean, noted that data show 66% of Hispanic college-bound students nationwide choose HSIs due to their unique cultural, academic, and social connections. An HSI is defined by federal standards as an accredited institution with 25% or higher total undergraduate Hispanic or Latino full-time equivalent student enrollment.

“At Kean, we have built the infrastructure to support Hispanic student success, from the Supera Spanish Speaking Program to culturally significant events like ¡Celebrando Graduación Juntos!,” Rodriguez said. “We are a strong and growing HSI, and our participation in programs like the VOLARÉ Institute positions us to continue leading in Hispanic education.”

Beyond academics, Kean's commitment includes launching the Center for Raising Excellence and Cultural Empowerment (CRECE) this year. This new leadership institute will focus on developing Hispanic leaders through innovative education and mentorship.

Additionally, Kean joined the National Latino Student Success Network in April as part of Excelencia in Education’s mission to enhance Latino student success. Representatives from Kean are also engaging with national policymakers during this week’s Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) conference in Washington, D.C.

Viviana Zambrano, director of Kean’s Office of Student Retention and Educational Innovation and part of the delegation attending CHCI conference said: “Representation matters deeply. It gives our students role models who understand their cultural, academic and personal challenges. Attending the CHCI conference allows me to better understand how national policies affect Hispanic students and how we can leverage that knowledge to improve student outcomes at Kean.”