School Library May 2025

Did you know? The Floating World of the Uros: Life on Lake Titicaca

Photo by Jeison Higuita on Unsplash   High in the Andes, where Peru and Bolivia share a sacred border more than 12,500 feet above sea level, lies Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world. Revered in Andean cosmology and central to many pre-Columbian myths, the lake spans over 8,300 square kilometers and holds not only ecological richness but also remarkable cultural heritage. Near the Peruvian city of Puno, a unique community continues to float—literally—on its waters. These are the Uros, an Indigenous people whose homes is not on land but on human-made islands built entirely of reeds. According to the BBC, approximately 1,300 Uros people live on around 80 man-made floating islands in Lake Titicaca today.

2025 Top 50 Community Colleges for Hispanics

Community colleges significantly boost social mobility, especially for Hispanic/Latino students. Hispanic Outlook annually recognizes the top 50 institutions by enrollment and degrees granted, highlighting the growing role of both two- and four-year public colleges in serving this expanding student population.

Broadening Access to the World: A Profile of Study Abroad at Community Colleges

Community college study abroad programs, though less common, play a key role in expanding global access for underrepresented students. Despite limited resources, they promote diversity, personal growth, and career development—especially through support like the federal Gilman Scholarship, now facing funding threats.

CCBA: Community College Baccalaureate Programs are Meeting the Educational Needs of Latino Students

The Community College Baccalaureate Association champions the expansion of bachelor's degrees at community colleges, providing Latino students with affordable, flexible, and workforce-aligned pathways to high-demand careers. These programs foster socio-economic mobility, meet local industry needs, and reduce student debt, transforming both lives and communities.

Building Bridges at Rancho Santiago: Marvin Martinez’s Vision for Latino and Adult Learners

Marvin Martinez, an immigrant from El Salvador, built a 36-year career in higher education leadership, expanding access, advocating for Latino students, and promoting community college partnerships, workforce development, and adult education to meet changing demographics and uplift underrepresented communities.