Two undergraduate Hispanic students, Julie Mendoza (19) and Victoria Pardo (20) were selected by Wayne State University’s Center for Chicano-Boricua Studies (CBS) to participate in the Summer Institute for Latino Public Policy (SILPP) in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Inter-University Program for Latino Research (IUPLR).

SILPP is an “educational program for junior and senior undergraduate students enrolled in the IUPLR’s member institutions that combine technical and practical experience in public policy and leadership training. Every year, 30 young scholars convene in Washington, D.C. for an intense one-week long training and orientation to public policy and legislative processes through a series of seminars, workshops, site visits to national organizations and meetings with Congressional representatives,” according to the IUPLR website.

Students are also required to present their own research on topics of their own choosing regarding matters in the Hispanic community such as health, education, social and economic concerns. The research then must be related to an issue in public policy, and presented as such.

Both students offered presentations on topics related to education. Mendoza, a journalism major, conducted research comparing urban and suburban public school systems in Southeast Michigan. Pardo, a math major, conducted a case study on WSU‘s undergraduate population’s experiences and relative preparation in math, comparing the WSU Hispanic population to other populations on campus. Both advocated for the repeal of Michigan’s Proposal 2 and for more public school funding.
There were 32 other Hispanic students from universities across the country such as UCLA, UC Davis, Boston College, UMass Boston, Florida International University, Hunter College, CSU San Marcos, Texas A& M and Notre Dame. Research topics included immigration, education, health care in the prison systems, domestic violence and the economic impact of immigration.

This year’s theme for the SILPP was “Health Disparities” in the Latino community. Students had the privilege of listening to lectures given by renowned Hispanic physicians, members of the National Council of La Raza, psychologists, sociologists and members of various national Hispanic organizations.

In addition, all students met with Hispanic members of congress or their representatives to learn how the political system works. They also had opportunities for sight-seeing and mingling.

“This experience changed my life! I learned so much from this experience,” said Mendoza. “I really have a better appreciation of doing research. I am so excited to continue and expand this research. This also was a great opportunity for networking,” said Pardo. She and other students from the other schools are planning to help her conduct her study nationwide.

For more information on IUPLR or its affiliates, or SILPP, please visit their Web site at: http://www.nd.edu/~iuplr. Information on the research conducted is available by contacting the Center for Chicano-Boricua Studies at 313-577-4378.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to nearly 33,000 students.