The Land Grant University for the 21st Century
Washington State University - Agency 365
2009-2011 Operating Budget
Request
Performance Level Decision Package
–Draft
Latino & Indigenous Peoples Research Institute
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Updated Aug 25, 2008
Agency Recommendation Summary:
A new academic center that studies policy issues related to Latinos/as and
Native Americans is proposed by Washington State University and the Washington
State Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
Given the increasing demographics of these populations and the challenges
that continue to grow year by year, the request funds two faculty positions to
lead a coordinated research effort to study social, political, immigration,
economic, labor, health, and educational issues that continue to impact
Latino/as and Indigenous peoples across the state and region.
A review
of the directory of Latino/a and Indigenous Research Centers (http://journals.dartmouth.edu/latinox/resource_center/academics2.shtml)
shows that none exist in the Pacific Northwest.
Similar centers exist in California and Texas.
“Latinos
in a Global Society”
at UC Irvine and the
“Chicano
Studies Research Center”
at UCLA, have played a significant role in making interventions in the current
public debate about Latino/as in U.S. Society.
Fiscal Details:
Package Description:
A professional and academic center would be located in the WSU College of
Education to study policy issues related to Latinos/as and Native Americans in
the state. Given its geographical location and the number of Latino and Native
American students, WSU is an ideal location for such a research institute. The
funding provided for two faculty members and the necessary support would be
primarily for salaries and operating expenses. The center would be directed to:
· Fill
gaps in public policy research for the state and region.
Even though scholars have begun to research the history of Spanish, Mexican and
Latino/as in the region, more contemporary studies are needed that make a more
direct/indirect impact on Latino/a communities. In California, for example, the
Chicano Studies Research Center produces Public Policy Briefs
(http://www.chicano.ucla.edu/press/briefs/default.asp)
which are released to mainstream media outlets, politicians and community
organizations to spur discussion and debate that will lead to some kind of
action. Washington needs a similar report mechanism that examines issues in the
Pacific Northwest region.
·
Coordinate
and collaborate among organizations and programs that exist in the region.
In Washington State, many groups are working on similar issues but in isolation
from each other. This proposed center would bring together representatives of
various community organizations, federally-funded programs, professional
association, state commissions, and cultural centers.
·
Connect
between academia and communities.
Given the existing divide (geography, political, economic) between four-year
public universities and the Latino/ a and Native American communities, it is
very difficult for community-based groups to envision these academic
institutions as a resource for their grassroots efforts. There is a lack of
formal venues, spaces, and events that can facilitate discussions and exchanges
between faculty, students and community groups.
There are Latino cultural centers at Washington State University in Pullman but
there are none in Pasco, Yakima, Wenatchee and Mount Vernon, communities with
the largest Latina/o populations. The Latino communities of these areas and the
state in general can benefit from a closer connection to a research center that
addresses recruitment, mentoring, advocacy, and activism.
A research center will also benefit Washington by linking faculty, community
groups, and alumni to future recruitment of Latino/a and Native American
students to higher education
·
There are Latino cultural centers
at Washington State University in Pullman but there are none in Pasco, Yakima,
Wenatchee, Mount Vernon, communities with the largest Latina/o populations. The
Latino communities of these areas and the state in general can benefit from a
closer connection to a research center that addresses recruitment, mentoring,
advocacy, and activism.
·
A research center will also
benefit Washington by linking faculty, community groups, and alumni to future
recruitment of Latino/a and Native American students to higher education.
·
Seek
federal and private funding
that will leverage the state investment and allow the center to grow. Currently
WSU, through its Foundation, is seeking funding from outside sources to
supplement any funding received from the state
Outcomes:
Within its first two years, the Research Institute will:
1.
Produce
studies regarding economic impact and educational attainment within the Latino
and Native American communities in Washington.
2.
Partner
with the Washington Association of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to provide data
specific to their needs.
3.
Conduct
research studies on the effectiveness of new outreach programs to the Latino and
Native American communities, and help support the development of pipeline
processes for students.
Calculations:
For more information, contact Larry Ganders, Assistant to
the WSU President, Olympia, at 360-534-2333
