- by encouraging the agency to incorporate best practices into appropriate discretionary programs where the agency sees fit and as permitted by law;
- (B) a description of how the applicable agency has and will decrease barriers to participation of Hispanics and Latinos in Federal employment and student engagement opportunities;
- (C) a description of how the applicable agency can address challenges facing Hispanic and Latino students and higher education institutions that serve Hispanic and Latino students, such as HSIs, brought on by or exacerbated by the COVID–19 pandemic;
- (D) a description of how the agency’s Office of Civil Rights, if applicable, can address discriminatory policies and practices that limit educational and economic opportunity for Hispanics and Latinos;
- (E) any other information the applicable agency determines is relevant to promoting educational opportunities for Hispanics and Latinos; and
- (F) any additional criteria established by the Chair or the Initiative.
- (ii) Each agency shall assess and report to the Chair on their progress in implementing the Agency Plan on a regular basis as established by the Chair.
- (iii) The Initiative shall monitor and evaluate each agency’s progress towards the goals established in its Agency Plan and shall coordinate with the agency to ensure that its Plan includes measurable and action-oriented goals.
(f) The Department shall provide funding and administrative support for the Initiative and the Interagency Working Group, to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations. To the extent permitted by law, including the Economy Act (31 U.S.C. 1535), other agencies and offices represented on the Interagency Working Group may detail personnel to the Initiative, to assist the Department in meeting the objectives of this order.
(g) To advance shared priorities and policies that advance equity and economic opportunity for underserved communities, the Initiative shall collaborate and coordinate with other White House Initiatives related to equity and opportunity.
(h) On an annual basis, the Chair shall report to the President on the Initiative’s progress in carrying out its mission and function under this order.
Sec. 3. Presidential Advisory Commission. (a) There is established in the Department a Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics (Commission).
(b) The Commission shall provide advice to the President through the Secretary on matters pertaining to educational equity and economic opportunity for the Hispanic and Latino community, including:
- (i) what is needed for the development, implementation, and coordination of educational programs and initiatives at the Department and other agencies to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Hispanics and Latinos;
- (ii) how to promote career pathways for in-demand jobs for Hispanic and Latino students, including registered apprenticeships, internships, fellowships, mentorships, and work-based learning initiatives;
- (iii) ways to strengthen the capacity of institutions, such as HSIs, to equitably serve Hispanic and Latino students and increase the participation of Hispanic and Latino students, Hispanic-serving school districts, and the Hispanic community in the programs of the Department and other agencies;
