This event is sponsored each year by the Inter-University Program for Latino Research (IUPLR). According to the IUPLR Web site, 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."

Left to right: Amanda Jacob, Angela Gallegos

Students from all over the nation, representing campuses such as UCLA, University of Arizona, University of Texas, Florida International University and University of Massachusetts, are required to present their own original research projects on topics of their choice regarding matters in the Hispanic community. This year's theme was public policy issues in education.

Gallegos, a Communications major, conducted research detailing the disparities between urban and suburban public school systems in Southeast Michigan in terms of the educational and career development opportunities offered in suburban schools that are not offered by urban school districts. Her presentation was titled, "Urban Media Programs: An Overwhelming and Powerful Need."

Jacob, a student majoring in Psychology, shared preliminary research on the assimilation of young Mexican-American women in her presentation titled "Assimilation: Positive or Negative? The Self-Concept of Mexican Women."

In addition to presenting their own research findings, students had the privilege of listening to lectures given by renowned leaders of the Hispanic community, members of the National Council of La Raza as well as representatives from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

Gallegos and Jacob also met with six-term congressman Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX), in addition to many other networking opportunities while on Capitol Hill.

"Amazing," says Gallegos, "I was never too interested in politics, but after this conference, I'm going to start tuning in to C-SPAN. "I look forward to returning to Washington," she adds, "It just opened my eyes."

Jacob says that it was exciting to see other young Latinos who are educating themselves in order to help others through their work. She states that she is excited to now "be part of a group of educated young people who can make the world a better place."

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.