As Eastern University celebrates its Centennial, Esperanza College is proud to be a part of that history as we work to transform the lives of our students.
In 2000, inspired by Eastern’s mission, President and CEO of Esperanza Reverend Luis Cortés formed a partnership with Eastern’s former President, Dr. David Black, to create Nueva Esperanza Center for Higher Education (NECHE). The vision was to create the first college dedicated to providing access to quality higher education and economic mobility to the underserved Latino community of Hunting Park in North Philadelphia.
The first cohort at NECHE consisted mainly of non-traditional students. The majority were native Spanish speakers, many with limited knowledge of English. A year after the pioneer class graduated in 2004, the College was awarded status as a branch campus of Eastern University and was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
One of the first graduates, Rosie Pagan ’05, shares: “I was looking for a place that genuinely cared about my educational, professional, and spiritual growth. Here, I could find all these attributes.” Rosie graduated from NECHE in 2005 and went on to complete her bachelor's and master’s degrees. She now serves as an adjunct professor at Esperanza.
Over the last two decades, the College has grown and experienced many changes. The name was changed to Esperanza College of Eastern University in 2005, the same year Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary was renamed Palmer Theological Seminary. New facilities were opened, expanded, and enhanced. New academic programs were added. The student population shifted to include both traditional and Early College students. Yet in the midst of the change, what remains the same is Esperanza’s commitment to its mission: “to enhance the knowledge, skills, and outlook of young people and adults so that they can live even more thoughtful, positive, productive, and purposeful lives.”
Ultimately, the success of the College is measured by the difference that we make in our students’ lives. Maria Genao ’25, who joined our Early College program last year, echoes the sentiment of many, that Esperanza changed her life for good and provided the space, environment, people, and activities that bring her joy. “Just being here lifts my spirits and helps me forget the difficult times I go through,” she explains. Maria feels closer to achieving her dream of graduating college and is appreciative of the opportunity.
Esperanza College currently serves over 280 students and continues to plant transformative roots deep in the community. The associate degree program, early college, dual enrollment, and summer experience programs including education, Esports, and STEM all bring Esperanza’s mission to life.
Esperanza has opened many doors for the students and neighbors who have experienced its programs and community. “My experience at Esperanza College has been a memorable one and continues to transform my life,” Rosie shares. “Through Jesus Christ and the Esperanza community, I have become a better human. Esperanza College is a beacon of hope in North Philadelphia."