September 12, 2025
Dear SRJC Community, 

On September 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it will stop funding certain federal grant programs that have supported Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) like SRJC. These grants have helped us to create and grow programs that open doors, build belonging, and strengthen student success. While some federal funding will continue, others will end after next year.   

For SRJC, this means two of our current grant programs, Lanzamiento and Transformando, will no longer receive new federal funding after September 2026. We do, however, have enough resources through the 2025–26 academic year. Our third program, Avanzando (HSI STEM), will continue to receive full funding next year. 

This news is deeply disheartening, especially as we celebrate HSI Week and kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. HSIs play a vital role across California and the nation, educating more than 5.6 million students, including the majority of Latinx graduates.  

At SRJC, being an HSI has never been about the dollars. It is about who we are and the responsibility we carry for students and our community. That commitment does not change.  

I am grateful to the leadership team, who have been preparing for this possibility since the first notice in February. Because of their foresight, we are ready to support students and employees through this transition. Our Human Resources and Academic Affairs teams are working directly with departments and employees supported by these grants to provide guidance and care. 

Federal funding may shift, but SRJC’s dedication to student belonging, achievement, and community impact is unwavering. Together, we will continue the work that reflects the heart of our mission and the future of Sonoma County. 

In Community, 

Dr. Garcia, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
707-527-4431
angelicagarcia@santarosa.edu