Welcome to ENLACE

Where did ENLACE come from and where it is going?

ENLACE is derived from the Spanish word "Enlazar" which means to link or weave together in such a way that the whole is stronger than its parts. Hillsborough Community College, the Hispanic Services Council, the School District of Hillsborough County and the University of South Florida have joined together to strengthen their programs and services to increase Latino student success.

ENLACE was a community-focused initiative that was sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as part of a 5 year grant to the University of South Florida partnering with Hillsborough Community College, the Hispanic Services Council and the School District of Hillsborough County  to increase the number of Latinos obtaining college degrees and to overcome barriers that keep Latinos from pursuing higher education. The vision of ENLACE was to enhance the academic success of Latino students and to enable them to achieve their full potential as role models, mentors, and community leaders. This vision has been achieved by building a strong alliance within the partnership and with the Tampa Bay community.

Initially, ENLACE was focused on Latino middle and high school students in the Leto, East Bay, and Plant City clusters. We have helped these students successfully complete high school and enroll at Hillsborough Community College, the University of South Florida, and other colleges of their choice.  In addition, ENLACE focused on Latino Students with Hillsborough County Schools and Hillsborough Community College.

As ENLACE Plus has evolved our focus has taken on the goals and the visions of the University by increasing the number of minority students applying, enrolling, and graduating from USF.  ENLACE Plus also plans to increase the schools they service by 3 more high schools. This new plan includes all minority students, with a great emphasis on Latinos.