The COLEGAS webinar series on issues, challenges, and effective approaches for supporting Latinx student success was very popular and well-received. “Thank you so much for creating the space for Latinx higher ed professionals to get together to collaborate and co-conspire. I really admire this work and look forward to participating more,” said one webinar participant. Another stated, “I participated in a webinar a couple of weeks ago and I felt as if I have found my people. I am excited to know this organization exists.”
Launched in May with a Virtual Town Hall, COLEGAS developed its 2020 webinar series to highlight the critical access and success issues faced by Latinx students, who represent more than 46% of students in the California community colleges. The series covered a broad range of topics including: creating safe spaces for undocumented students, Latinx solidarity with Black Lives Matter, using data and research, intersectional identity and support for LGBTQ students, and new scholar perspectives on women of color. And each webinar showcased original artwork inspired by the topic from a Latinx artist from California.
The series of nine webinars was developed and carried out with the collaborative partnership of a group of community organizations and college leaders recognized as Companer@s, the organization’s name for friends accompanying COLEGAS in its mission. CLP partnered with COLEGAS and provided support for the overall webinar series and, with funding from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), co-designed the October 1 webinar, Latinx Workforce: Completing the Promise. The CCCCO supported the webinar series with zoom access and assistance. If you attended any of the webinars, please complete a short survey. It will take about five minutes to complete.
COLEGAS just announced a new effort, La Escalara, which is focused on supporting Latinx community college practitioners through the college job application and interview process. The goal is to increase Latinx representation among administration and faculty in the community colleges. Learn more about La Escalara or sign up for a coaching session on the COLEGAS website.
On the COLEGAS website, you can also access webinar recordings, download slides, and view the gallery of original art inspired by the webinar topics.