By Andrea Pazik
Arizona Daily Wildcat
A new program aimed at teaching research and leadership skills is now being offered at the UA for minority undergraduates.
The Mexican American Studies and Research Center in connection with Inter-University Program for Latino Research is offering a new program, Latina Latino Leadership Opportunity Program.
This program offers five minority undergraduates the chance to participate in community activities and develop leadership skills.
"(The program) is directed towards Latinos only because they have not been in positions of power or leadership in many communities," said Reina Prado, regional coordinator of the program.
The program is based at seven university campuses in areas where Latinos are geographically concentrated, Prado said. Members include the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. Due to funding delays, these three universities were unable to begin until this semester.
LLOP is a one-year program designed for minority undergraduates interested in research, policy-making and leadership. Students who are chosen must attend seminars and various workshops. Students must also complete an internship throughout the semester and participate in a one-week summer session.
"From this program, we want them (students) to be aware of themselves and learn how to solve problems through research and communication skills," Prado said.
Five minority students from different disciplines will be selected from a group of applicants. Applications are available at the Mexican American Studies and Research Center in the Douglass Building, Room 315, and at the Chicano/Hispano Student Resource Center Office in Bear Down Gym, Room 102. Applications are due by 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10.