Latino Social Science Pipeline Initiative

Overview

The Latino Social Science Pipeline Initiative (LSSPI) is a new UC Berkeley program that seeks to advance Latino social science research, training, mentorship, and community engagement. The Initiative is spearheaded by professors Cristina Mora, Michael Rodríguez-Muñiz, and Nicholas Vargas.

With support from the U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (CA) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-12) and critical partnership from UnidosUS, the country’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, Berkeley faculty secured funding from the Department of Education to address the need for more social science research on the history and current conditions of Latino populations. Working with UC Berkeley scholars, students, and staff, the Latino Social Science Pipeline Initiative contributes to training and developing the next generation of social scientists, data analysts, policymakers, and public intellectuals focused on Latino communities. In addition, it uses academic research to shed light on U.S. and transnational Latino communities in efforts to improve socioeconomic conditions and advance racial justice.

Over the next two years, the LSSPI will pursue its agenda through several initiatives, including postdoctoral and predoctoral fellowships, small research grants, and community-university partnerships.