UE Students Work to Drive Positive Change in Evansville's Latino Community

Evansville, Ind. (01/11/2024) — Changemakers are leaving an indelible mark on Evansville, and the University of Evansville (UE) stands at the forefront with a program that is actively reshaping the landscape for the local Latino community. UE students are taking charge, addressing critical healthcare and educational needs, while spearheading initiatives that resonate throughout the city.

Under the auspices of the UE ChangeLab program, students are leading efforts to engage with middle school students and parents, focusing on crucial healthcare concerns and advocating for self-esteem and multiculturalism among elementary and middle school students.

A central aspect of the program is fostering and creating opportunities for adult Latinos through English language instruction. The current flagship project involves providing English language classes every Sunday at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, aiming to empower Latinos with essential language skills.

Developed by UE's own Assistant Professor of Spanish Cindy Crowe and students, the comprehensive lesson plans cover basic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, dialogues, and situational conversations featuring diverse vocabulary.

"In an effort to make language learning an enjoyable experience, we have partnered with Washington Middle School, offering an engaging after-school opportunity," explained Dr. Crowe. "This initiative introduces students to Spanish through hands-on activities, imparts knowledge about Latino culture, and ensures a connection to the community. Further amplifying its impact, we have also extended our reach through partnerships with Carver Community Organization and Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) ESL Family Engagement Center."

UE's Latino ChangeLab is committed to effecting enduring positive change within Evansville's Latino community. As it looks toward the future, the program is eager to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and continue fostering a brighter, more inclusive community for all.

To learn more about Changemaking, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/changemaker.