Latino Conference Focusing on Wyoming Students April 19-20 – University of Wyoming

“Scholars, educators and community activists will lead a free public discussion in Laramie April 19-20, focusing on meeting the needs of Wyoming’s Latino students.

Nationally- and regionally-known presenters will share research and lessons learned from the field during “Latinos in the Diaspora: Education in Rural Settings.”

“The national speakers provide us an opportunity to understand how Wyoming issues relate to what is happening in the Latino community nationwide,” says Francisco Rios, University of Wyoming professor of educational studies. “The regional speakers will help us understand some of the more specific challenges that Latinos face.”

The program is available to 75 participants, meals included. To register e-mail susana@uwyo.edu or for more information about the event, contact Rios at 307 766-4055 or frios@uwyo.edu.

Leonard Valverde, executive director of Arizona State University’s Hispanic Border Leadership Institute, will discuss “The Education of Latinos: No Matter Where They Reside, Their Education Must be Redefined.” His talk is part of the conference’s opening address Thursday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. at The Library restauran. Claudia Peralta Nash of Boise State University will provide a general overview of rural Latino education.

“The speakers’ insights will provide a foundation for a more focused discussion on the issues facing Wyoming students and educators,” Rios says. “The primary focus really is what is going on here in the state of Wyoming — how can we better serve these student populations.”

More presentations and discussions will be at the Ramada Center Hotel, 2313 Soldier Springs Road, beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 20. Among other regional speakers is Leticia Alvarez, UW Department of Educational Studies post-doctoral research associate. A panel comprised of UW students, educators, community activists and parents will discuss specific ways to implement what participants have learned in Wyoming, says Rios.

A collaborative of UW and community groups interested in the education of Latino students hosts the public event, with support from a USA Funds grant. Among the sponsors are UW Chicano Studies Program, Department of Educational Studies, UW Hispanic Student Programs and La Radio Montanesa KOCA 93.5 FM.”

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