SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - American International College (AIC) has reached the enrollment threshold for Hispanic Serving Institution designation. The Hispanic Serving Institution status that is granted by the U.S. Department of Education is expected in the next two years. This designation goes to not-for-profit, degree-granting institutions where at least 25% of their full-time undergraduate enrollment identifies as Hispanic. Northampton considers fossil fuel ban for new buildings As of Fall 2024, Hispanic and Latino students made up more than 27% of AIC's undergraduate enrollment. AIC's interim president Nicolle Cestero says it's important to recognize the institution as a Hispanic and minority-serving institution as a significant percentage of students identify as non-white. "Having an HSI designation for the institution is just a natural progression of how we were founded and who we were founded by and what we continue to do and who we continue to serve," said Cestero. Since AIC's establishment in 1885, the institution has been providing access to higher education for underserved populations. This new status would allow the school to continue to strengthen its support for Hispanic, Latino, and Latina students and create a more inclusive campus environment. Local News Headlines Northampton considers fossil fuel ban for new buildings AIC nears ‘Hispanic Serving Institution’ status Experts warn of dangers skating on frozen ponds Shelter arrest raises concerns statewide WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.