The Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies has received the Wayne State University Learning Community of the Year Award for the 2020-2021 academic year. The criteria for this award include how many students are served, events and activities hosted, and feedback from student participants

Wayne State University (WSU) third-year student Alondra Mireles nominated the Center’s learning community, the Chicano Boricua Scholars (CBS) Program, stating, “In a day and age where it is unfortunately difficult for individuals from Hispanic backgrounds to find a place or a safe haven, the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies does just that…It provides students a place of expression, community, and appreciation for our culture.”

The CBS Program provides academic and personal support to students interested in Latino/a and Latin American Studies. The majority of the 200 students participating in the CBS Program come from Southwest Detroit and the Downriver communities and are the first in their families to attend college.

“We are thrilled to have received this award, especially in the year of our 50th anniversary and in the midst of the challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Melissa Miranda-Morse, the Center’s assistant director. “Our faculty, staff, and peer mentors have gone above and beyond to ensure that each student has personalized care and guidance in this virtual learning environment.”

The Learning Community Program at Wayne State University (WSU) was established in 2006 as a way to increase support for students and help them thrive, build community, and connect to campus resources while attending WSU. There are 40 learning communities serving more than 17,000 undergraduate students at the university.

The Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies extends a heartfelt thank you to its student peer mentors team for their dedication to the participants of the learning community while juggling their own responsibilities: Alondra Mireles, Sarah Arredondo, Anali Ramos Ramirez, Josue Flores, Alfonso Garcia Rivera, Jasmin Perez, Erica Perez, Pamela Esparza, Taylor Antio, Mariana Sierra, Heather Garcia, Vanesa Gonzalez, Lucy Arias, Paulina Yllescas-Rosales, Katherine Sanchez, and Brenda Rodriguez.