TAMPA — Misinformation about the U.S. education system presents a challenge for many Spanish speakers seeking academic and professional opportunities. Aware of this situation, the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council of Tampa is organizing the 813 Cafecito event, which in its upcoming edition on Thursday, Feb. 27, will focus on higher education, providing information about admission processes, financial aid and university programs.
The initiative, to be held at the Ybor City campus of Hillsborough Community College, aims to address the specific questions and needs of the Hispanic community by offering direct access to specialists from various academic institutions.
María Bermúdez, a member of the council, explained that the initiative arises from the need to guide the Hispanic community regarding educational mechanisms in Florida.
“Many students arrive from countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic without really knowing how the system works here,” said Bermúdez. This lack of information can be a significant obstacle for those who want to integrate into the U.S. education system and continue their professional training.
The lack of knowledge about the requirements for degree validation, differences in the structure of academic programs, and the absence of guidance in selecting suitable educational options create uncertainty for students. According to Bermúdez, it is common for individuals with university degrees from their home countries to be unaware of the necessary steps to practice their profession in the United States, which can result in long periods of job inactivity or the need to restart their studies.
To address these concerns, the event will provide detailed information on admission processes, credit transfer requirements, and higher education options in Florida. The session is expected to serve as a clear guide for attendees, facilitating their academic and professional integration.
The role of educational institutions
The event will feature representatives from three key academic institutions: Hillsborough Community College, the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa. These institutions will present the available academic options, from certification programs to master’s degrees, to guide attendees toward the alternatives best suited to their profiles and aspirations.
One of the fundamental topics to be covered is the credit-hour system, a basic concept in U.S. education that many international students are unfamiliar with.
“They don’t know how many credit hours are required to obtain a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a certification,” Bermúdez noted. This lack of knowledge can delay the completion of studies or even discourage those seeking to continue their education in the country.
The participating institutions will also highlight credit transfer programs, allowing students to learn about the possibilities of continuing their studies at different universities. This approach will facilitate decision-making and help attendees structure an academic plan that aligns with their needs and expectations.
One of the central aspects of the event will be guidance on financial aid. Information about scholarships and grants is essential for those who want to continue their education but are unaware of the available financial options. Financial aid specialists will explain federal and state programs, eligibility requirements, and the steps to access these benefits.
Likewise, Bermúdez emphasized that many people do not understand how the financial aid system works, which can be a barrier to accessing higher education. During the event, the procedures for applying for financial assistance will be detailed, as well as the deadlines and necessary documentation to successfully complete the applications.
In addition to information about scholarships and student loans, strategies will be discussed to optimize financial resources and minimize debt. This session is expected to provide key tools for attendees to make informed decisions about their academic future.
Opportunities for veterans
813 Cafecito will also include a segment dedicated to veterans interested in pursuing university studies. For many veterans, the lack of knowledge about the educational benefits they are entitled to based on their service type and retirement date poses an obstacle in their transition to academic life.
Experts in veteran programs will be present to answer questions and explain the necessary procedures to take advantage of GI Bill benefits. This session will allow attendees to obtain detailed information about academic opportunities and resources available specifically for veterans.
In addition to educational benefits, attendees will learn about support programs designed to ease their adaptation to university life. From academic counseling services to employment integration programs, the event will provide a comprehensive view of the options available for this group of students.
Bermúdez highlighted the importance of Hispanic community participation in these types of events, which address specific educational needs and provide key information about the U.S. education system. The community leader emphasized the significance of education as a pathway to professional and personal growth.
“We want to be part of our community’s development, providing them with the necessary information to achieve their academic and professional goals,” she stated.
Additionally, she reiterated that the event is designed for all community members, regardless of their prior knowledge of the education system. The goal is to provide clear and detailed guidance so that each attendee can find the path that best suits their needs and aspirations.
The Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council of Tampa was established in August 1983 by then-Mayor Bob Martínez through an executive order. Created as a group of 25 community volunteers, its primary mission has been to promote good relations and serve as a link between the city government and the Hispanic community. Its formation was partly in response to the scarcity of Spanish speakers among municipal employees, which made it difficult to provide adequate services to the growing Latino population.
Under the leadership of its first president, Raymond Fernández, the Council conducted demographic studies on the representation of Spanish speakers in municipal offices. These findings revealed that only 10% of public-facing employees had Spanish-speaking skills, leading to initiatives to improve linguistic diversity in local government. Over time, the institution began collaborating with various organizations, including the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa International Airport, and the University of South Florida, to improve Hispanic access to employment and educational opportunities.
One of the Council’s most significant achievements has been the creation of public forums in Spanish and English, which served across several administrations as spaces to inform the community about government services. Additionally, in 1998, the Latinos Unidos Luncheon (LUL) was launched, an annual event that highlights the growing influence of Hispanics in the region and raises funds for student scholarships at the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College. Currently, the council’s donations to these programs exceed $550,000.
Over the past four decades, the council of Tampa has played a key role in organizing community-oriented events to address various issues affecting its residents. In this regard, previous events have covered topics such as mental health, the specific needs of senior citizens, the impact of immigration policies, and access to social services, among others. In each session, experts from different fields have provided detailed information and guidance to attendees, ensuring that they can make informed decisions on fundamental aspects of their lives in the United States.
Bermúdez emphasized that these meetings have created spaces for dialogue where people can express their concerns and receive concrete answers from specialists. Through this initiative, the organization aims to continue strengthening integration, cooperation between organizations, and the well-being of Hispanics residing in the city by providing them with tools for empowerment.