Paulina Bravo Valenzuela

This project will support the Latinx Cultural Agenda at LaFollette High School, a project begun by a group of students and staff after returning to the school building following closure due to COVID-19. The goal of the project is to provide Latinx students a place where they can see themselves, learn about their culture and develop a sense of pride and belonging, especially in the post-pandemic context. The Agenda achieves this goal by providing Latinx students the opportunity to co-create a series of cultural events throughout the school year, where students have leadership roles in uplifting their Latinx heritage. This grant will support: field trips to engage students in culturally enriching experiences and civic issues; storytelling events with elementary students at a predominately Latinx school; engagement with community leaders to discuss vocation and cultural issues; Latinx student representation in official school activities; and meetings with school administration to discuss establishing a permanent budget for the program.