BIENVENIDOS!
To the Latino And Latin American Studies Program

       The Latino And Latin American Studies (LLAS) Program of Northeastern Illinois University provides academic and experiential opportunities to foster a comprehensive understanding of Latinos, Latin American and Caribbean peoples in their relationship to each other, the United States, and the world.

       The program builds on the University's commitment to diversity and community partnerships as it promotes pride in the values of diverse ethnic heritages. You will also gain from the classroom environment and active involvement in the community through internships and related projects.

       We recognize that Latinos and the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean region make increasingly visible cultural, social, and economic contributions. Their rich ancestral roots and their long history of adaptation provide a promising blueprint for building community in an ever more diverse world. These same populations face contemporary trends toward increasing poverty and educational deficits, and political struggles for justice and democracy. These new challenges call for the careful articulation of creative and responsible solutions, using the very particular assets found among Latinos, Latin Americans and Caribbeans.

       In its 20th year of existence, this originally student-created program now counts with a minor and a full set of offerings that complement the preparation of students in other departments. The program also strives to function as a clearinghouse for knowledge and training that takes advantage of the unique resources that Chicago offers regarding Latino and Latin American matters.

        Two concrete projects to accomplish this goal are through collaboration with units such as Education, Social Work. Business, Criminal Justice, and Computer Sciences. In addition, the program is involved with The Latino Data Project, a collaborative effort to organize census information on Latino communities in the city to be made accessible to students, researchers, schools, and community organizations.