UVU Addresses Growing Latino Population in Utah County

_{By Mike Romero}

Utah’s Hispanic and Latino populations have experienced remarkable growth in recent years, contributing to over 50% of the state’s population growth between 2010 and 2020, according to the 2020 Census. Utah Valley University (UVU) has been proactive in addressing this increase and supporting the success of every student.

In fall 2022, more than 5,000 UVU students identified as Hispanic or Latino, making up around 12% of the university’s total enrollment. These students have found a welcoming home at UVU, whether it’s in classrooms, on the athletic fields, on stage, or within the community.

To meet the needs of this rapidly rising demographic, UVU conducts community outreach events at high schools and other locations where families feel comfortable. These events provide valuable information in Spanish about resources, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. UVU senior Hector Cedillo, president of UVU’s Latino Leadership Council, emphasizes that these events aim to communicate to Latino children that their potential extends far beyond stereotypical occupations. Latinos have the capacity, skills, and knowledge to excel in various fields, from becoming CEOs to business owners.

UVU also supports international students on visas and provides assistance to students seeking financial aid, overcoming language barriers, or finding suitable housing. Serving over 5,000 Latino students requires a tailored approach that acknowledges their unique challenges and aspirations.

The Latino Initiative at UVU, established in 2007, has played a pivotal role in empowering Latino and Hispanic students to thrive, earn degrees, and find their place in Utah Valley. Led by Elizabeth Nield, the director of UVU’s Latino Initiative, the program aims to foster inclusion, remove barriers, promote cultural competence, and guide students on their path to success. Nield envisions UVU as a home away from home and a refuge for Latino and Hispanic students, where they can find support and form lasting connections.

UVU goes beyond the Latino Initiative by organizing various programs, activities, and events that help Latino students feel at home, even before they start attending classes. Events such as Bachatafest, an annual dance event and scholarship fundraiser featuring Latin American music, and Celebración Latinoamericana, a celebration of Latino academic achievements in Utah, promote cultural preservation and appreciation. UVU’s commitment to maintaining students’ cultural backgrounds ensures that they feel seen and understood, fostering a sense of belonging and authenticity.

UVU’s efforts in supporting its Latino students have not gone unnoticed. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), a nonprofit organization representing over 500 colleges and universities, recognized UVU as an Outstanding Member Institution. This distinction reflects UVU’s dedication to inclusivity and its pioneering initiatives to create equal opportunities for all.

UVU offers three tuition-free summer programs—Latino Scientists of Tomorrow, Engineers & Technologists of Tomorrow, and Business Leaders of Tomorrow—to increase the representation of underrepresented students in STEM fields. These programs have been successful, with 85% of LST Summer Bridge Program participants continuing their education at UVU, and 40% of them majoring in STEM fields.

The impact of UVU’s initiatives has extended beyond its campus. The success of these programs has led to their adoption at six other universities nationwide, and UVU has received $2 million in support through a partnership with Dominion Energy. This will allow UVU’s outreach to continue well into the future.