About
The Latin American Studies and Caribbean Studies Center (LACS) of the University of Maryland goes as far back as 1969, when it was created as an academic program.
About Us
LACS became a university research center in 1989. Since then, it has been an institutional pillar of the UMD campus for students and faculty with interests in, and connections to, Latin America and the Caribbean. Ten UMD Schools and Colleges are represented in LACS 60+ affiliated faculty and 50+ undergraduate and graduate students. The Center also has strong ties and partnerships with scholars and peer institutions across the Americas. Only 10 minutes away from the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., the Center has an established reputation for excellence in interdisciplinary research on justice, culture, and democracy.
LACS academic offerings include an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; an undergraduate minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; an undergraduate certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; a Graduate Residency program; a Community Resident Affiliate program, student internships; the Dr. Merle Collins Scholarship in Caribbean Studies; community outreach programs; research and talk series; annual pop-up research grants for graduate students, and more.
Mission
The mission of the Latin American Studies and Caribbean Studies (LACS) is to promote and build a community of students and faculty interested in learning and actively engaging in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latina/o history and culture. It provides a crucial network and central source of research, intellectual, and cultural support and inspiration for students and faculty throughout the university, as well as a strategic point of connection between UMD, the nation at large, and the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. LACS is a cultural sphere that celebrates the linguistic, ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity of the university and its community.
LACS promotes diversity and global cultural competence through its academic curriculum and programming, as well as collaborations with and service to the geographic areas surrounding the University of Maryland. LACS is devoted to an interdisciplinary curriculum that expands students’ ability to learn and apply academic knowledge to real life situations. Its curriculum, events, and activities aspire to help create career readiness for graduating students working in the United States and abroad.
Academic Programs
LACS offers an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; an undergraduate minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; an undergraduate certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; a Graduate Residency program; a Community Resident Affiliate program, student internships; the Dr. Merle Collins Scholarship in Caribbean Studies; community outreach programs, and more.
Academics
Academic Talks
LACS guest scholars, practitioners, and experts share research and relevant experiences with students, faculty, and the public. Learn more about our featured research events.
Cultural Events
LACS sponsored and organized events expose students, faculty, and staff to rich cultural expressions, policies, economic struggles, and social movements across Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Publications
LACS has a long history of sponsoring collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Learn more about our publications.
Community Outreach
LACS supports projects that reflect the mission of the center and the university, and especially strive to serve our local communities in Prince George's County and Washington, D.C.
Current Projects