Esperanza College celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 20, 2025, highlighting its impact on accessible higher education for Hispanic communities in North Philadelphia. The event included testimonies from students and alumni, remarks from institutional leaders, campus tours, and cake-cutting ceremony.
A vision born from the community
Reverend Luis Cortés, CEO of Esperanza, recalled that the college began nearly three decades ago, when the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity identified the need for an institution where young people in their churches and neighborhoods who had left school could resume their education in a supportive environment. Many were between 20 and 24 years old and faced challenges returning for a GED or sitting again in a classroom with teenagers. Even at 40 o4 45. You can start a new career, and we wanted to give them that opportunity,” he said.
With that vision, they proposed creating their own institution, offering flexible schedules and professors who reflected and understood the Hispanic culture of Philadelphia and the Spanish language. Planning took five years before opening the first center for higher education, which later evolved into Esperanza College.
Education with a workforce and community focus
During the celebration, Rev. Luis Cortés emphasized that developing a college “sounds easy, but it is not.” While other organizations offered programs, Esperanza focused on providing real tools to prepare students for the workforce. “We work directly with different employers,” he noted. He also highlighted the community leadership behind the institution: “The institution was controlled by groups of pastors and community leaders… and the biggest difference is an understanding of what happens in our communities and how difficult it is to study.”
Located in the heart of Hunting Park, Esperanza College has built a strong relationship with families and residents in the area. That is why Dr. Nilsa Graciani, Academic Dean of Esperanza College, said: “It moves me deeply to see students who graduated here and others who now work here. It means so much to see the enthusiasm and to know that the College was that first seed for these people who today are part of our achievements. Remember that the options are here, and motivating students through our program is our goal because the doors are open at Esperanza College.”
Overcoming institutional barriers
Rev. Luis Cortés also spoke about the challenges they faced. “When you say you are going to establish a Hispanic institution, people immediately look at you with suspicion: ‘Ah, that’s not going to work.’” He thanked Eastern University for allowing Esperanza to operate under its license and as a branch campus with an Advisory Council – guaranteeing state and national accreditation to grant associate degrees.
A legacy that continues to grow
One of the most significant outcomes has been seeing graduates return as dedicated professionals. “That was the idea from the beginning… to give them tools they can use for their families and their community,” he added.
Although the institution celebrated its progress, Cortés acknowledged that there was still more work to be done: with enrolment of near 311 students, the future goal is to reach between 400 and 500 students.
The anniversary reaffirmed Esperanza College’s mission and its partnership with Eastern University to offer affordable and relevant education, strengthening Hispanic communities through academic opportunities and community development.
For more information about Esperanza and the educational programs it offers, go to https://www.esperanza.us
