Ulysses Student Participates in Hispanic College Institute

Reina Ochoa of Ulysses participated in the 10th Annual Hispanic College Institute (HCI) at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), held June 3-6, 2026.

HCI is a free four-day, three-night summer residential experience for high school sophomores and juniors. The program is designed to open the doors of college opportunities to students who may not otherwise know about the possibilities available to them.

During the institute, students learn about the college admissions process, financial aid, civic engagement and professionalism. Participants come from throughout Kansas and neighboring states, giving students the opportunity to meet others who share similar cultural and educational backgrounds.

Hugo Pérez, assistant director of Student Engagement and Belonging at FHSU, has been involved in nine of the 10 HCI programs.

“It is one of the favorite things I’ve done in my career,” Pérez said. “Students learn so much and grow as young adults. My goal is to get students into college and be successful.”

Pérez said HCI alumni have gone on to attend a wide variety of colleges and universities, including FHSU, Ivy League schools, Stanford University, large state universities, community colleges and smaller colleges and universities.

For Ochoa, the experience provided a chance to experience college life firsthand and explore the FHSU campus.

“My experience was amazing,” Ochoa said. “I got to experience dorm life, tour the campus where I touched and held a human brain, and meet new people.”

Ochoa said the institute also focused on encouraging Hispanic students to continue their education after high school. Participants discussed what it means to be a first-generation college student and the challenges and opportunities that can come with being the first in a family to attend college.

“We talked about being the first generation in our families to go to college and motivating us as Hispanics to continue our education after high school,” Ochoa said.

The institute also included a variety of fun activities. Participants took part in a dance battle, team-building relays, a trip to Arcade 11 Bar and Restaurant, and an activity where students got to stuff their own tiger.

“We got to learn about different career paths and the programs FHSU has to offer, and experience what it is like to live life as a college student,” Ochoa said.

The activities gave students an opportunity to learn outside the classroom while building friendships and experiencing different aspects of college life.

HCI concluded with a ceremony where parents and family members were invited to celebrate the students and their completion of the four-day experience.

Students interested in participating in future HCI programs must submit an application. For more information about the FHSU Hispanic College Institute, contact Hugo Pérez at 785-628-4020 or h_perez@fhsu.edu.