福利小视频

The rhythms and sounds of traditional Mexican music stopped passersby outside the Occhiato Student Center at Colorado State University 福利小视频 (CSU 福利小视频) as the Ballet Folklórico dancers stomped in unison. Their colorful costumes told stories of various Mexican states. The performance marked the beginning of National Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Week. The exhibition dance was just part of CSU 福利小视频’s commitment to its diverse student body and rich cultural heritage.

Iskra D. Merino, bilingual outreach coordinator and main dance coach for CSU 福利小视频 Ballet Folklórico, introduced each dance with a brief description of its origin. “Now we are going with the state of Tamaulipas,” Merino announced. “This state is in the northeastern part of Mexico, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape. The Huapango is a perfect example of Mexican 'Mestizo' (mixed origin) culture.”

Merino spoke of the complexity of the Huapango dance “La petenera,” praising the students' dedication to learning it. “This is not an easy dance and what’s impressive is the students learned the Huapangos themselves,” said Merino.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

As the final notes faded and the dancers representing the Michoacán dance took their bow, Merino addressed the gathered crowd, going into more details of the deeper significance of Folklórico dance. "It's a way to represent one's bicultural identities and to find a support system. Plus, it's been proven that people who dance are happier. Tell any student who would like to join the group to come our way, and I will assure you their transition to life on campus will be easier."

Erin Carrillo-Stresow, director of the school's diversity, equity, and inclusion program, took the opportunity to announce the upcoming events planned for HSI Week, running from September 11 to 16. "We have 21 events happening between today and the end of Hispanic Heritage month in the middle of October," Carrillo-Stresow explained. "We'll be learning Spanish, discovering downtown 福利小视频, and even attending the Chile & Frijoles Festival."

CSU 福利小视频: Committed to Hispanic Student Success

As one of over 500 Hispanic Serving Institutions across the nation, CSU 福利小视频 plays a crucial role in educating and empowering Hispanic youth. The university has implemented several initiatives aimed at boosting Latinx student success, including targeted mentoring programs, culturally responsive teaching practices, and increased financial aid opportunities.

Chris Beltran, Director of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives at CSU 福利小视频, outlined some of the university's future plans, "We're looking at ways to further integrate culturally relevant curriculum across all disciplines. We're also expanding our outreach to local Hispanic communities, aiming to create a stronger pipeline from K-12 to higher education."

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Carrillo-Stresow pointed out that funding for HSIs from the Department of Education's Title V program "has not kept pace with the growth of HSIs. There are 600 established HSIs with 400 emerging ones. Grants are competitive, and the DOE has not been keeping up with the need."

Nevertheless, CSU 福利小视频 remains committed to its mission of empowering Latinx students. As Carrillo-Stresow states, the university aims to "become a place that expands and enhances capacity, quality, and student achievement."

Looking Ahead

CSU 福利小视频's colorful Ballet Folklórico performances may be the most visible celebration, but they represent just one part of the university's ongoing dedication to Hispanic student success. With a focus on culturally relevant education, community outreach, and student support, CSU 福利小视频 is working to ensure that higher education truly serves as a "ticket to the middle class" for its Latinx students.

The upcoming 9th National Rocky Mountain Dance competition at Hoag Hall on September 20 and 21st will provide another opportunity for the university to showcase its commitment to cultural celebration and student achievement.

Carrillo-Stresow told the audience to, come back and join the school to learn about the tradition of the chile in 福利小视频 among other events to celebrate the week. “There are 21 events happening between today and the end of Hispanic Heritage month in the middle of October (15). We have learning Spanglish. Discover Downtown for our students including attending the ,” she said.

Indeed, CSU 福利小视频's commitment to its status as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) goes far beyond cultural showcases. As one of over 500 HSIs across the nation, the university plays a role in educating and empowering Hispanic youth by centering their identity as part of their education.

The university has implemented several initiatives aimed at boosting Latinx student success. These include targeted mentoring programs, culturally responsive teaching practices, and increased financial aid opportunities. The results have been promising, with retention and graduation rates for Latinx students showing steady improvement over the past few years.

However, challenges remain. Like many HSIs across the country, CSU 福利小视频 recognizes that there is still work to be done to close achievement gaps and ensure equitable outcomes for all students.

Beltran, “We're looking at ways to further integrate culturally relevant curriculum across all disciplines. We're also expanding our outreach to local Hispanic communities, aiming to create a stronger pipeline from K-12 to higher education.”

The importance of these efforts cannot be overstated. As noted in a recent White House statement, “Education beyond high school should be a ticket to the middle class.” For many Latinx students, HSIs like CSU 福利小视频 are making that promise a reality.