CSUSM's National Latino Research Center Presents Conference on Latinos in San Diego County

In the past decade, Latino populations in the United States have grown dramatically. 2010 U.S. Census figures indicate that Latinos have become the most populous ethnic group (other than Anglo-Europeans) in the country, representing 16 percent of the entire population. In San Diego County, the number of Latinos grew from 750,965 in 2000 to 991,348 in 2010, a 32 percent increase. Economic and social indicators demonstrate that Latinos are living in difficult and challenging circumstances.Against the current demographic landscape, the National Latino Research Center (NLRC) at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) presents, Latinos in San Diego County, a conference that presents a deeper look at how Latinos and Latinas are experiencing life in society today. Showcasing new research findings, NLRC researchers will discuss the impact of the economy, healthcare, education and politics on Latino families. The conference will be held Wednesday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand Salon in the M. Gordon Clarke Field House/University Student Union at CSUSM.Among the research presented is a study on migrant and farmworker health, “Poder Popular para la salud del pueblo,” which found barriers to healthcare and nutrition include access to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources and services. Access is even more limited in rural communities where direct services are scarce. However, NLRC has found that Promotores de Salud/Community Health Workers or líderes comunitarios/community leaders are making great contributions in reaching vulnerable, low income, and underserved members of the community by conducting popular education, connecting people to available services and resources, and increasing grassroots leadership and community engagement.   Another study on youth, education and parent engagement, “Youth Empowerment Program,” found that first generation Latino and immigrant students aspire to go to college but lack awareness of college requirements and are more likely to transfer to alternative and/or continuation schools than to complete A-G eligibility requirements. Similarly, parents are interested and willing to get involved in their children’s education but often feel unwelcomed in their efforts to advocate for their children’s education.“This is an important event because it is of critical importance that we better understand the largest and fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population,” said NLRC Research Director Arcela Nunez-Alvarez. “Latinos will increasingly play a major role in our labor force, in our economy and in our public education system. It is undeniable that the well-being of our community is inextricably tied to the success of the Latino community. Understanding the demographics of this population will help to discuss and identify ways in which to advance and improve the opportunities for and outcomes of the Latino community now and in the future.”At the conference break-out sessions in topics related to education, health, civic engagement and technology will present opportunities for in-depth analysis and discussion.Individuals interested in attending this event are encouraged to register as soon as possible (space is limited).  Registration cost is $50. Fax registration forms to NLRC at 760.750.3510 or return via email to aardon@csusm.edu. For more information, please contact, Ana M. Ardón at aardon@csusm.edu or 760-750-3505.What: Latinos in San Diego County, a CSUSM National Latino Research Center conference that presents a deeper look at how Latinos and Latinas are experiencing life in society today.When: Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.Where: California State University San Marcos -- M. Gordon Clarke Field House/University Student Union 333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos