National Hispanic University

National Hispanic University, located in East San Jose, is one of only three accredited universities in the U.S. specializing in Latino education. The University was founded in 1981 and until 2004, was housed in a rundown former elementary school. Despite its less than adequate home, the University thrived, growing to serve 600 undergraduate students, establishing a charter high school, creating a bilingual childcare center, and becoming an integral part of the Silicon Valley community.

NHU knew that the next step in its growth was to build a campus equal to the first-class education that it provided. Using capital generated from its allocation of New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Fund provided $9.6 million in permanent financing for Sobrato Hall, NHU’s new 65,000-square-foot learning center that is the centerpiece of the university's new campus.

Sobrato Hall opened in 2004 and is now a bustling academic home to NHU’s students, 85% of whom are Hispanic; 92% of whom work full-or part-time while in school; 71% of whom are women; and 81% of whom are low or moderate income.