The Psychology and Child Development Department is committed to supporting our Latine students via educational initiatives that center Latine students and foster a sense of belonging across campus. For the purposes of this HSI mini-grant, two Latine faculty (Dr. Jay Bettergarcia and Dr. Susana A. López) will co-create Cal Poly’s first-ever Latine Psychology course with a group of Latine psychology students in the Winter and Spring 2024 quarters. In line with HSI-taskforce recommendations, this course provides opportunities for Latine students to engage in servingness through the co-creation of decolonial approaches to psychology education.

Decolonial approaches and Liberation Psychology explicitly name power imbalance and structures that perpetuate inequities. Liberation Psychology’s roots are in Latin America, and it aims to further understand oppression while working toward liberation of oppressed groups. This is in stark contrast with traditional psychological approaches that address the downstream mental health consequences for individuals rather than the structures causing harm.

A two quarter commitment is required. A stipend is available. 

Apply here to be considered part of this project with Dr. Susana A. López & Dr. Jay Bettergarcia.