The Latinx Studies Program at Holyoke Community College (HCC) offers students a dynamic opportunity for civic engagement while fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of the language, culture, literature, and creative accomplishments of Latinx communities. Drawing from disciplines such as art, history, sociology, film, music, and literature, the program cultivates both academic and practical knowledge essential for students preparing to work with diverse populations. Grounded in the humanities and social sciences, Latinx Studies prepares students for careers in a wide range of fields, including education, law, advocacy, and community development.
The program officially launched in Fall 2019 and was born out of HCC’s participation in a 2015 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Bridging Cultures Grant. The purpose of the grant was to design and integrate Latinx Studies content across the humanities curriculum. Along with the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies (CLACLS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, HCC developed Summer Institutes for faculty, followed by academic-year meetings, and an annual lecture series featuring visiting scholars. These initiatives laid the foundation for a culturally inclusive curriculum while also strengthening faculty collaboration across regional institutions, including the Five Colleges.
This foundational work led to several significant outcomes: fifteen full-time faculty members committed to culturally responsive teaching practices, more than fifteen existing courses were infused with Latinx Studies content, and three new interdisciplinary courses were developed—Introduction to Latinx Studies, Latinx Literature, and Latinx Politics. The program also contributed to a broader institutional shift by raising awareness of the importance of supporting Latino students and enhancing the visibility of Latinx contributions in society. This work aligns with HCC’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), which has further supported grant opportunities and initiatives focused on Latinx student success.
During the grant period, our department successfully hosted a series of college-wide events that celebrated Latino culture and were open to the broader community. Notable highlights included a screening of The U Turn(2017), the third documentary in Guatemalan director Luis Argueta’s immigration trilogy, which tells the powerful story of immigrant workers who courageously broke their silence about workplace abuses. The college also welcomed nationally recognized authors Luis Alberto Urrea and Magdalena Gómez for public readings. With additional support from the NEH Bridging Cultures Grant, Academic Affairs, Integrative Learning, One Community Holyoke, and CCPHC, our department hosted a presentation with acclaimed Puerto Rican writer Esmeralda Santiago.
Beyond these featured events, the department continued collaborating with other campus departments to present cultural and place-making programming. In partnership with El Centro and various student support services, events such as the Bienvenidos celebration (welcoming Latinx students), Día de los Muertos, and the Latinx Heritage Fiesta were offered. These efforts created space for cultural affirmation and student engagement, fostering a greater sense of belonging for Latinx students.
The Latinx Studies curriculum continues to grow in scope and accessibility. Notable courses include LAX 110, now more accessible after lowering its prerequisite in 2021; LAX 107/HIS 107, a cross-listed history course; LAX 208/ENG 208, a literature course developed with the English Department; POL 210, revised for wider access; and the newly launched LAX 111 on community organizing. The curriculum blends theoretical inquiry with hands-on learning, including internships and service learning experiences with local Latinx community organizations, providing students with real-world opportunities to connect academic study with civic leadership.
Upon completing the program, students are able to engage critically with the histories, communities, and lived experiences of U.S. Latinos; analyze literary works within their cultural and historical contexts; explain the intersections of race, class, gender, and ethnicity in Latinx communities; and identify the diverse languages, histories, and cultural identities that make up Latinx populations, all while preparing for active participation in a global society.
Since the program’s inception, Latinx Studies graduates have demonstrated strong academic performance and successful transfers to four-year institutions. In May 2021, the program celebrated its first graduate, who transferred to Westfield State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Ethnic and Gender Studies in 2023. In May 2022, another graduate transferred to Smith College and earned a degree in Latin American Studies with an Archives concentration in 2024. In May 2023, two students transferred—one to Mount Holyoke College to pursue Spanish Teaching (Hispanophone Studies), and another to UMass Amherst to study Art History. In May 2024, another graduate transferred to UMass Amherst to pursue a degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Most recently, in May 2025, two additional students graduated with the Latinx Studies degree and are currently considering their next academic or professional steps.
While many Latinx Studies graduates pursue further education, others have chosen to enter the workforce directly. For example, one graduate accepted a full-time position as a Foundation Associate at the Peace Development Fund, a Connecticut-based nonprofit that supports grassroots initiatives through grants, training, and capacity building. Another graduate was hired as a Youth Support Coordinator with Girls Inc. of the Valley, providing services to young people in the local community.
The Latinx Studies Program embodies HCC’s broader mission of equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. By combining rigorous coursework with active community engagement, the program offers a dedicated space for interdisciplinary learning, cultural celebration, and student support. Like similar programs across the country, Latinx Studies at HCC demonstrates that when resourced with dedicated faculty, organizational backing, and institutional commitment, it is not merely a supplemental initiative—but a vital and enduring part of the college’s academic landscape.
About the author
Raúl D. Gutiérrez is Professor and Chair of Latinx Studies and Spanish at Holyoke Community College, where he also coordinates the Learning Communities Program. He received the 2020 Antonia Pantoja Award and was named HCC’s 2021 Marieb Chair for Teaching Excellence.
