The Latinx Social Science Pipeline Initiative (LSSPI) at the University of California, Berkeley, recognizes the significance of Latinx issues in contemporary society and is committed to promoting social science research in this vital field. Working with UC Berkeley scholars, students, and staff, LSSPI supports the training and development of social scientists, data analysts, policymakers, and public intellectuals focused on Latino/a communities and efforts to improve socioeconomic conditions and advance racial justice.
As part of realizing its mission, LSSPI launched the Latinx Social Science Small Grants Program. This initiative has two aims: 1) to support UC Berkeley faculty and postdocs in their research projects that focus on the social scientific study of Latinx communities and 2) to create opportunities for undergraduate students to develop research skills, critical thinking, and intellectual creativity.
The Latinx Social Science Small Grants Program supports research projects on the social scientific study of Latinx communities and pairs undergraduates with faculty. Specifically, students develop their research skills and critical thinking through their work with faculty. Ten projects received funding during the 2024 Spring Semester, addressing relevant research areas, such as civil rights and labor law reform for Chicano/Latino communities, mental health and social service needs of unaccompanied immigrant youth, immigration raids and adverse infant health outcomes, and bilingual education and the working lives of Latino families in gentrifying urban regions. On April 30, 2024, LSSPI held a Research and Mentorships Grant Symposium where faculty-student teams shared research plans and accomplishments.
