<p>Consider a nationally-administered, merit system based on the National Hispanic Recognition Program. I’d add a generous financial reward to the NHRP (using federal matching grants to the colleges), open it to other URMs, and add income-based criteria. Qualifying merit test scores would work like the National Merit system (with varying cut-offs per state but also for income). </p>
<p>This approach would add uniformity and transparency compared to the current practice of using URM status as a “hook” on a mysterious college-by-college basis. Each school would commit to accepting N National Minority Recognition Program scholars per year (either a fixed number or a percentage). The federal government would pony up matching money accordingly. If a school failed to meet its target, the balance of matching funds would revert to a pool. Pooled funds would be redistributed in a bidding system for schools willing to raise their targets by accepting wait-listed NMRP scholars.</p>