Background
The Central American
community in Los Angeles is one of the three largest in the United
States.
Although its roots in California go back more than 130 years, the
1980's
witnessed a dramatic demographic growth and increasing visibility of
Central
Americans in the American society. It is expected that by the year
2010,
the Central American population in Southern California will number 2.5
million, making them the second largest Hispanic group in California.
After
more than twenty years in the U.S., Central Americans have clearly
established
their largest permanent concentration in Southern California.
CSUN is the first university in the nation to establish a Minor program in Central American Studies (CASP). The University has committed the resources to provide classes, professors, clerical support and space to make this program a reality. The students, academics and community at large have received the CASP with excitement at the prospect of having an academic program directed towards the critical needs of the community.
CARPI
In the fall semester
of 2001, with the support of CSUN administrators and the School of
Humanities,
the Central American Research and Policy Institute (CARPI) was
established.
CARPI is the result of diligent efforts by CSUN students, CASP faculty,
and Central American community organizations for the purpose of
developing
research, policy and knowledge supporting the socioeconomic, cultural
and
civic development of the transnational Central American community. In
addition,
it will work towards establishing an ongoing relationship with entities
in the United States and Central America. Policy development and
academic research will include issues of common concern such as
integration,
civil society, economic development, and cultural identity of Central
Americans.
Goals
· To generate
and disseminate research information, analysis, and social perspective
on issues affecting Central Americans.
· To work
towards developing students' research methodological and analytical
skills
and to directly involve them in documenting and analyzing their history
and experience.
· To actively
promote and encourage interdisciplinary investigations and social
policy
articulation by academics of Central American origin.
· To suggest
alternative policies aimed at improving the quality of life, civic
participation
and educational development of Central Americans in general and the
Central
American students at CSUN in particular.
Research Projects
· Demographic
Profile of Central Americans in the United States with a Special Focus
on Central Americans in Los Angeles County. (In progress).
· The
development
of textbooks with and for the Community: Testimonios and Oral History
(2000-2003.)
· War,
Violence
and Post-Traumatic Stress in the Central American Community.
· Changing
Roles of Central American Women: Shaping the Future of the Community.
· Accessing
the New Economy: The Impact of Science & Technology on the Central
American Community.
· Community
Resource Development: Transnational Networking, Hometown Associations
in
Action.