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MEChA at Ohlone College is a student-led organization focused on empowering and advocating for the rights and interests of Chicano and Latino students. The group engages in various activities, including cultural events, community service projects, and educational initiatives that celebrate and promote awareness of Chicano/Latino heritage and issues. MEChA provides a supportive space for students to connect, collaborate, and mobilize around social justice causes and educational advancement. Through its efforts, MEChA contributes to fostering a sense of belonging and pride among Chicano and Latino students at Ohlone College, while also promoting cultural understanding and inclusivity within the broader campus community.
The Puente Program at Ohlone College is a learning community aimed at increasing the number of educationally underserved students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees, and return to the community as leaders and mentors. The program combines rigorous English instruction, personalized counseling, and mentoring by professional community members to support students in achieving their academic and career goals. Emphasizing Latino culture and experiences, Puente fosters a strong sense of community and cultural pride, encouraging students to excel academically and engage actively in their communities.
Chicano Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that explores the history, culture, politics, and contributions of people of Mexican descent in the United States, particularly those living in the Southwest. The field emerged during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and is rooted in the experiences and struggles of Chicanos, who are descendants of Mexican immigrants in the United States. Chicano Studies courses typically cover topics such as Chicano/Latino history, literature, art, social movements, and contemporary issues facing the Chicano community. Through an intersectional lens, Chicano Studies seeks to examine issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and identity, while also promoting cultural pride, empowerment, and social justice. Overall, Chicano Studies contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of American history and society, highlighting the diverse contributions and experiences of Chicano people.