Davenport University introduces bilingual degrees through Casa Latina program

The Casa Latina program at Davenport University is the first of its kind in the country, preparing students for careers and for professional proficiency in English and Spanish by offering courses in English one week and in Spanish the next. There are 12 degrees, both at the undergraduate and graduate level, available through Casa Latina, that will help students prepare for their career and help them become more proficient in two languages.

According to an article on Davenport University’s website, Carlos Sanchez, who serves as the executive director of Casa Latina, was quoted as saying of the groundbreaking program, “Davenport is taking an innovative, bold approach with Casa Latina. We are creating this bilingual program that will provide an opportunity for Latino students to overcome so many challenges. We are taking barriers down related to language, finances and geography. We have virtual bilingual tutoring, and we have staff dedicated to advising our Casa Latina students. We are creating a community at Davenport that will embrace and guide students as they pursue their degrees.”

In addition to the unique bilingual approach the Casa Latina program infuses into its teachings, the courses being available worldwide and semesters being only seven weeks long will enhance the flexibility and ease in which students can complete their coursework. 

All courses available within Casa Latina, including both undergraduate and graduate level courses, utilize bilingual instruction. The majors available include Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Health Services Administration, Management, Managerial Accounting, Marketing, Technology Project Management, Urban Education, and Urban STEM Education Elementary. 

Richard J. Pappas, the president of Davenport University, says the University is committed to closing the gap that is apparent between Hispanic and Latino degree holders in the country and white degree holders. He said, “We have taken direction from people within the Latino community to understand the needs and challenges they have to continue their education. We are absolutely committed to creating an environment with all the tools necessary for bilingual students to graduate ready to work and lead in bilingual environments.”

Executive Vice President of Academics and Provost Gilda Gely described the excitement for the Casa Latina program, saying, “At Davenport, we have taken the position that Latino students do not have to fit into our mold, but rather we will meet them where they are and support them as they realize their potential. We have been working toward launching this bilingual program with their success at the forefront of its development. This is truly an exciting moment and opportunity.”

Scholarships are available to both full time and part time students to take part in the Casa Latina program. Full support will be available to students no matter where they reside while taking courses. The fast-paced curriculum will get students out into the workplace quicker, and the flexibility of online coursework will allow students to fit the Casa Latina program into their lives seamlessly.

For more information about Davenport University, visit the school’s website.