Message from the Dean
Dear Colleagues,
National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, gives us the opportunity to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latina/o/x communities. At the School of Social Work, we are looking forward to highlighting this special occasion and the contributions of these communities to our School, nation, and world.
Recognizing the history and achievements of Latina/o/x communities aligns with our social work values and the School’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. This commitment, affirmed in our strategic plan, calls on us to engage in meaningful dialogue and hold ourselves accountable to action toward social justice.
To meet the needs of Latina/o/x individuals, families, and communities, we have developed programs that prepare social workers for that important work. Last year, with the support of a state grant, we launched Connecticut ¡Adelante!, a scholarship program for Master of Social Work students who want to serve the mental health needs of Spanish-speaking youth and families. This innovative program will prepare bilingual students for careers addressing both children’s mental health and the growing Spanish-speaking population in Connecticut. For our bachelor's students, we also offer the Child Welfare and Protection Track, which trains Spanish-speaking students to work with Latina/o/x families served by the state Department of Children and Families.
To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, our School’s Puerto Rican and Latin@ Studies Project is hosting an opening event: Past, Present, Possible in Puerto Rico through Prosperity, Power, and Progress on September 20 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the School of Social Work Community Room. Participants in the Puerto Rico Travel Study program will share their insights from their recent trip and highlight cultural identities, the concept of acompañamiento, and implications for social work practice. I encourage you to register and join us: s.uconn.edu/sswhhm.
In solidarity,
Laura Curran
Dean