Hispanic Serving Institution

Whittier is proud of its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, defined as a non-profit institution that has at least 25% Hispanic full-time students. With our location in Southern California and commitment to attracting the broadest range of students seeking educational opportunities, Hispanic students play an important role in our community of learners.

For instance, the Ortiz Programs (named after founder Martin Ortiz, class of 1948), an integral part of the College's Cultural Center, seek to expand knowledge and awareness of Latino, Hispanic, and Chicano culture, language, and history throughout the year with planned activities, speakers, and events, including a full slate of intellectual and cultural programming planned during Hispanic Heritage Month. The Hispanic Student Association and MEChA are two of our most active student organizations on campus, contributing to the social and political life of the College and surrounding community. And Whittier's curriculum, as well, offers a number of courses that explore the evolution, impact, and contributions of Hispanic cultures within American society, economics, music and art, and politics, among others.