TAMPA, Fla. — More Hispanic students in Hillsborough County are earning a high school diploma. The school district says there was nearly a 3% jump in Hispanic graduation rates this past school year.
While that may not seem like a big jump, school leaders expect that number to grow.
The road to graduation isn’t an easy one, and Braulio Castaneda knows that firsthand.
“The ESOL (English as a second language) program really helped me to learn English,” he said.
He immigrated from Cuba two years ago and had to navigate learning a new language in a new school system.
While those may be obstacles for some, for Braulio it pushed him to work harder for what he wants.
“I’m taking the AVID (college readiness) class because it’s helping me to get ready for my college future, and I’m also in the National Spanish Honors Society, where I’m the president,” he said.
Braulio will be graduating from East Bay High School in May. He is part of the growing Hispanic student population taking steps across the stage.
Marcos Murillo is the chief of innovation and strategic planning for Hillsborough County Public Schools. He says the 2024 to 2025 graduation rate among Hispanic students rose 2.8% percent.
“The more students we graduate, the more students will be ready for society, for post-graduation, college, workforce, anything we can provide,” Murillo said.
Amy Stevens-Cox is the principal of East Bay High School. She says the student population is predominantly Hispanic.
So, the school has worked to help those students through ESOL paraprofessionals, ESOL research teachers, Spanish speaking counselors and helping involve parents as well.
“We start by making sure that the kids feel included. Anything that is available at our school, we might announce in Spanish as well,” Stevens-Cox said.
These tools guided Braulio through his high school journey.
“It’s supporting me and it’s preparing me for my future,” he said. “I know it’ll be hard, but I have the support of the staff here at the schools and it makes it easier.”
The Hillsborough County school district also reports a 3.2% graduation increase among its English-language learner students.
