How Did taking Courses in Latino/a/x Studies Influence These Undergrads Later in Life?

• In Event: Race, Gender, and Class Roundtables Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): 2) Education, Socialization, and Academic Pathways

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of the Ángelo Rodríguez Award, a grant established by early leaders in Puerto Rican and Latina/o Studies, and initially focused on Puerto Rican Studies before expanding to include Latina/o Studies. The award was created because in the early 1980s Puerto Rican Studies lacked recognition from many academic institutions, with minimal representation in departments and publications. To assess the grant's influence, a quantitative survey was conducted in 2022 among 43 past recipients, with 23 respondents offering insights. The survey aimed to evaluate the award's effect on their lives and career paths. Results revealed that over 78% of respondents felt profoundly inspired by the award, with 57% expressing heightened motivation to pursue careers in Latino and Latin American Studies. Respondents also achieved high educational attainments and entered a variety of professional fields.

Author

• Clara E Rodriguez, Fordham University