The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) was established in 1986 by a small group of higher education leaders who recognized that poverty and language barriers, among other factors, were preventing Hispanics from reaching their full academic potential. Because of HACU's exemplary leadership on behalf of the nation's youngest and fastest-growing population, the Association rapidly grew in numbers and national impact.

Today, HACU-a non-profit, tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization-represents more than 300 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain. Although our member institutions in the U. S. represent less than 7% of all higher education institutions nationwide, together they are home to more than two-thirds of all Hispanic college students. HACU is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).

The HACU National Internship Program (HNIP)

The HACU National Internship Program (HNIP) recruits college students for paid summer- and semester-long internships at federal agencies and private corporations in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country. These ten- and fifteen-week internship programs give college students direct experience in a diversity of careers in the federal and corporate sectors.

Over the past fourteen years, HNIP has placed over 5,700 college students in rewarding and challenging internships matching their majors and career goals. Interns have enhanced their professional skills through placements in departments of public affairs, accounting, human resources and information technology, as well as laboratories, hospitals, airports, and national forests and parks, among others. Some intern assignments have included completing and analyzing research, writing speeches, conducting audits, performing land surveys, creating web pages, conducting community health surveys and developing outreach strategies for under-served populations.

Participating agencies and corporations hope to increase diversity in their work force by providing these internships to high-achieving Hispanic students.  This creates a pipeline of future employees who have had positive, meaningful work experience.