“There’s about half a million Latinos in Michigan but only 2% of us have a college degree.”
As Executive Director of the new Casa Latina program at Davenport University, Carlos Sanchez wants to change that. It’s a Spanish immersion college experience offering twelve undergraduate and graduate degrees in a fully bi-lingual program. All courses are online and all are taught in Spanish and English.
“From advising, recruitment, tutoring, the bookstore, etc. financial aid, all the services we offer currently will be offered in a bilingual format to our students.”
Research found one reason fewer Latinos seek higher education is they don’t think it’s for them because they don’t feel they belong. Davenport President Richard Pappas says university leaders set out to change that.
“Latinos are the fastest growing population in the country but the least represented in higher education and you know who’s at fault? Higher education! Because we haven’t responded like we should have.”
Mark Moreno is the Executive Director of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It represents hundreds of companies doing business around the world. He’s excited at the opportunities he sees for those graduating from the program, including those who want to continue the Spanish immersion educations they began in elementary and high school.
“It’s not just for Latinos. This initiative is open to all lovers of the Spanish language.”
Students can enroll now for classes beginning fall 2024, and scholarships are available.
