MICASA Center
The MICASA (Mexican, Indigenous, Chicano, Caribbean, Central American, and South American Alliance) Center is a vibrant and dynamic space designed to be the heartbeat of our campus community for Latina/o/x students.
Meet the MICASA TeamMICASA's Mission
The mission of MICASA is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community where Latina/o/x students and allies can thrive academically, professionally, and culturally. The center is dedicated to promoting the rich heritage and diverse experiences of the Latina/o/x community through culturally-relevant programming, academic support services, cultural events, and community engagement. By empowering students with resources, building personal connections, and advocating for equity, MICASA strives to create an environment where every member of our campus feels valued, heard, and inspired to achieve the fullness of their potential.
Additionally, MICASA serves as a hub for the Puente Program, which is nationally recognized initiative that has been a fixture at El Camino College for close to 40 years.
Our Vision
MICASA’s vision is rooted in our commitment to social justice that is transformational in the sense that it prepares Latina/o/x students to confront and transform the structural inequalities in their lives. This vision only becomes possible when educational practitioners and counselors become willing to engage and commit fully to the lives of their students and their collective struggle against institutionalized oppression. Therefore, our vision requires educators and administrators to challenge consistently the dominant discourses of race and racism in education as well as the deficit-oriented narratives surrounding Latina/o/x students.
Conferences
The Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) Conference offers significant benefits to our students. It provides valuable networking opportunities with professionals and peers, supports career development through workshops and panels, and grants access to resources, such as scholarships, internships, and graduate programs. The conference also enriches students' cultural experiences by honoring Latino achievements and nurturing a strong sense of community. Overall, the HACU conference is a platform for advancing education, career goals, and cultural connections.
Each year, students that have actively participated within Student Equity & Achievement (SEA) are invited to apply for an opportunity to attend the HACU Conference. This year’s conference will take place November 1st – 3rd in Aurora, Colorado.
HACU 37th Annual Conference — Chicago, Illinois
Questions? Contact Us
MICASA Center
Communications Building, Room 301