FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Two Central Valley higher education institutions have received the Seal of Excelencia recertification for their efforts to advance Latino success, according to officials. On Tuesday, officials announced that U.C. Merced and Fresno State were recognized with the Seal of Excelencia for their efforts to advance Latino student success in higher education. According to Fresno State, the seal is a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment and more intentionally serve Latino students. Fresno State and UC Merced first earned this distinction in 2021. The universities were honored during an event in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.