On April 14, 1974, student activists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison began demanding that the university recognize and teach the histories, cultures, arts, literatures, and social and political experiences of Chicanx/e and Latinx/e communities in the United States. The collective struggle launched in 1974 led to the creation of the Chicano Studies Program in 1976. Today, five decades later, the UW–Madison Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies Program is a national and regional leader in advancing interdisciplinary research and teaching on Chicanx/e and Latinx/e peoples. We have graduated 58 students in our major since establishing it in 2023, and we continue to graduate dozens of certificate students each year. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we honor a legacy rooted in student activism, community engagement, and a continued commitment to imagining more inclusive futures. Support our students, research, teaching, and programming with your donation!
How your gifts make an impact:
Your generous donation directly supports the mission of the Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison by creating meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and our broader community. Gifts help fund valuable preprofessional experiences as well as student work-study positions and internship opportunities that prepare students for future careers. Donations also sustain programs that foster student success, belonging, and community through study jams, cultural events, and community gatherings. In addition, your support makes it possible for us to host campus lectures and visiting speakers to discuss innovative research and arts with students, faculty, campus, and local community members.
Why we need your support
In honor of our 50th anniversary, we hope to raise $50,000 by December 31, 2026. Please donate — and ask a friend to donate, too! With your generous gift, you can help ensure that we meet the needs of our growing major and remain here for another 50 years to educate the next generation of Chicanx/e and Latinx/e studies scholars.