Chicana/o/x Studies

Chicana/o/x Studies
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Welcome | Bienvenidos!

At Eastern Washington University, Chicana/o/x Studies is more than an academic program—it’s a supportive, empowering community.

We provide a welcoming space for all students, including those who identify as Chicanx, Indigenous, Hispanic, Latinx, Caribbean, Central American, South American, and Non-Latinx.

Whether you’re the first in your family to attend college, exploring a new academic path, or returning to school to advance your career, you’ll find the mentorship, resources, and sense of belonging needed to thrive.

Chicana/o/x Minor

Student Stories

Why Study at the Region’s Polytechnic?

Get a hands-on education, real-world experience, and personalized support from faculty so you can launch your career with confidence.

Personalized Attention

Access services in both English and Spanish, including one-on-one academic advising, peer mentorship, tutoring, and guidance on financial aid.

Affordable Education

EWU has the lowest in-state tuition of any public university in Washington. There are also scholarships available for students declared in the Chicana/o/x minor.

Community

Groups like Ballet Folklórico de Aztlán, Mariachi las Aguilas, and Latin American fraternities and sororities connect students who share a passion for culture.

Skills You'll Build

Technology and artificial intelligence are changing how we work, but they can’t replace human judgment, creativity, or meaningful connection. In the Chicana/o/x Studies program, you’ll develop career-ready skills that employers consistently value, including:

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Adaptability
  • Leadership
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Collaboration
"The things that make us human will become much more important instead of much less important. ... When we look to hire people, we look for people who are great communicators, who have excellent EQ and people skills, who are kind and compassionate and curious and want to help other people." — Daniela Amodei, Anthropic CEO

Explore the Chicana/o/x Studies Minor

A Chicana/o/x Studies Minor deepens your understanding of history and culture while giving you the tools to think critically, lead with cultural intelligence, and engage meaningfully with your community.

You’ll explore different courses and develop in-demand skills in analysis, communication, and leadership.

Whether you’re pursuing education, law, healthcare, public service, social work, communication, or business, this program strengthens your ability to connect with diverse communities and create meaningful change.

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An EWU Chicana/o/x Studies student smiles at her graduation ceremony.
“The first time I entered the program’s office I had a deep sense of being at home. The people who make up Chicana/o/x Studies truly care for their students’ success. They want students to graduate, but more importantly, they want students to have the skills that will make them capable of succeeding both in the job market and life.”
Gloria Bravo '22

Student Support & Resources

Each year, Chicana/o/x Studies students receive approximately $25,700 in scholarships. Just one part of the $9.7 million EWU awards annually to nearly 1,500 students through a single scholarship application. 

The best part is that scholarships are free money—you never have to pay them back.

There are also special programs and financial resources available for DACA students through Washington State.

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Guia de Ayuda Financiera

Academic services include personalized advising, access to scholarship resources, mentorship opportunities, culture-based initiatives, tutoring support, and a dedicated college orientation course.

Chicana/o/x Studies also helps students navigate university policies and procedures while advocating on their behalf across departments and offices. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels informed, supported, and empowered throughout their academic journey.

The Chicana/o/x Studies program fosters your professional growth and career readiness through workshops, guest speakers, presentations, and special events. We collaborate with various partners and community advocates to create opportunities that enhance your skills and expand your network.

Students can participate in study abroad programs, volunteer work, internships, job placements, seminars, conferences, and mentorships—all designed to promote community engagement and real-world experience.

The newly renovated Chicana/o/x Studies Lounge is a cozy, welcoming space designed for focused study and meaningful connection. Located in Monroe Hall, the lounge features comfortable couches, study tables, Wi-Fi-enabled desktops, printers, board games, and a small lending library.

Students also enjoy access to a fully equipped kitchen stocked with pantry essentials, making it a true home away from home. Whether you’re studying for exams, collaborating on a project, or simply taking a break, the lounge provides a supportive and relaxing environment.

The Chicana/o/x Studies department is here to support your academic and personal success. We offer dependable resources and a welcoming environment to help you thrive throughout your college journey.

Our staff members speak both English and Spanish, ensuring that you and your family can access the support you need in the language you’re most comfortable with.

Resources for Students & Their Families

Chicana/o/x Studies News

Martin Garcia, PhD, in Honduras
CAHSS
From the Classroom to Honduras: How Martín García Is Making a Difference
four students clapping in the front row
Chicana/o/x Studies
2024 EWU Latino/a/x & Chicano Graduation Ceremony
President
Student Presented With Governor's Student Civic Leadership Award
More Chicana/o/x Stories

Chicana/o/x Studies FAQs

Chicana/o/x Studies is a multidisciplinary field that examines the lived experiences, histories, and cultures of Chicana/o/x communities in the United States. It provides a holistic understanding of the forces that shape these communities and broader society. Chicana/o/x Studies helps students develop critical thinking and analytical skills that prepare them to better understand today’s world and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Chicana/o/x Studies classes strengthen your ability to think critically, analyze complex issues, communicate across diverse perspectives, adapt to change, and reflect on your role within broader social systems. These skills are consistently in high demand as employers seek adaptable problem-solvers who can navigate an increasingly digital world. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in law, medicine, education, public policy, technology, social services, or community leadership, you can transfer these skills across industries.

Through class discussions, presentations, research, and writing assignments, you’ll gain many career-ready skills, including: 

  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Research and analysis
  • Creativity 
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Leadership and community engagement
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Emotional intelligence and empathy

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and the World Economic Forum, these skills are among the most important for career success today and will continue to grow in demand over the coming decade.

The minor complements a wide range of majors, including political science, communication studies, business, economics, and biology. Graduates of this program often pursue careers in education, social work, public health, law, government, nonprofits, and more.

The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies. Whether you’re interested in advocacy, policy, or working directly with communities, you’ll graduate with the skills necessary to make a positive impact.

No, the program is open to all students who wish to learn about Chicanx/Latinx history, culture, identity, and social justice. Our classrooms are inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued.

Yes, there are scholarships specifically for students involved in the Chicana/o/x Studies minor. Thanks to the generous support of private donors, EWU offers scholarships that recognize students who demonstrate a strong connection to the Hispanic and Latina/o/x communities through heritage, leadership, or service.

Our faculty and staff are here to help you explore financial aid options and connect with scholarship opportunities.

The program emphasizes applied learning and civic engagement, so students often participate in internships, research projects, community outreach, and advocacy work.

Our main campus is in Cheney, which is approximately:

  • 20 minutes by car from downtown Spokane  
  • 1.5 hours by car from Moses Lake
  • 2 hours by car from Tri-Cities
  • 2.5 hours by car from Wenatchee
  • 3 hours by car from Yakima
  • 3 hours by car from Omak
  • 4 hours by car from Seattle
  • 5 hours by car from Olympia

Contact Us

Alma Lozano

Coordinator
Chicana/o/x Studies, Habla Español
Monroe Hall 203
509.359.4818

Edwin Elias, PhD

Director - Assistant Professor
Chicana/o/x Studies, Habla Español
Monroe Hall 203D
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Chicana/o/x Studies

203 Monroe Hall
Cheney, WA 99004
E: chstprogram@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.4857

Our Mission

Since the creation of Chicana/o/x Studies in 1977, it has served as an academic and community center for students and their families.

The program’s first mission is to actively contribute to enhancing the opportunity and participation of Chicanos/Latinos in higher education. We achieve this mission by actively recruiting and supporting Chicano/Latino students to have a positive and successful academic career.

A parallel mission is to contribute to EWU’s goal of addressing diversity by providing all students—regardless of ethnicity—with a Chicana/o/x Studies curriculum leading to a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the Chicano/Latino community and relevant issues.

We are dedicated to implementing initiatives that align with and fulfill this dual mission.