Student Programs
The Latino Leadership Opportunity Program (LLOP)
Undergraduate Work-study Opportunities
Research Assistantships, Internships and Employment for Graduate Students
The Latino Leadership Opportunity Program (LLOP)
The LLOP is academic enrichment and leadership development program offered by the Gastón Institute for UMass Boston undergraduate students. The LLOP offers undergraduate training in applied research and public policy analysis. Students in the program enhance their analytical and leadership skills, learn how public policy is created, become proficient in public speaking, build strong teamwork abilities, meet with policymakers, and receive course credit for their successful completion of the program. This program has a strong history of success: many graduates are now employed in public policy positions or are enrolled in competitive graduate programs.
Program Components
This program has three main components.
1. The LLOP Seminar:
Students participate in a semester-long seminar (for credit) in which they are exposed to various research methods and their potential application to public policy issues. As part of the seminar students engage with academics and community stakeholders in discussions concerning the state of the Latino community in Massachusetts and nationally. As part o the seminar, students produce a research paper on some aspect of the Latino condition. Students are mentored by faculty members, who will guide them in completing their research papers. This Spring, the seminar is being led by Professor Lorna Rivera.
2. Field Research:
Typically, LLOP students participate in two field research experiences where they are able to travel to different Latino communities and compare them to the Latino communities in this region.
3. Summer Leadership Institute:
LLOP students participate in the Summer Institute for Latino Public Policy sponsored by the InterUniversity Program for Latino Research (IUPLR). Every year, Latino students from across the U.S. meet in Washington DC for a week of discussions and meetings with policy makers and government officials to address issues of concern to Latinos in the United States.
Requirements for participation in the LLOP
We are looking for students who:
· are full-time undergraduate student at UMass Boston (juniors and seniors preferred)
· have a 3.25 grade point average (this is preferred, but not required)
· have an interest in leadership development, public policy, and community involvement
To apply, please download the application, complete it and send it to Professor Lorna Rivera. The next applicants will be considered for the seminar beginning in Spring 2012.
For information about the program and guidelines, the seminar or the Summer Institute, please also contact Professor Lorna Rivera.
Undergraduate Work-Study Opportunities
The Gastón Institute provides work-study employment for undergraduate students interested in learning and participating in the work of the Institute. Students provide assistance with research tasks, community outreach, database management, special events, and administrative work. Currently we are seeking interns to work on the Annual Ask Fundraising, Coordination of Research for the Director, and Database Management. This is a great opportunity for recent graduates to build their resumes as well. For more information please contact the Mauricio Gastón Institute at 617.287.5790.
Research Assistantships, Internships and Employment for Graduate Students
The Gastón Institute welcomes UMass Boston graduate students interested in conducting research in our areas of interest. Graduate assistantships at UMass Boston are funded through the graduate programs and departments and students should apply there for an assistantship and indicate their desire to work with one our Institute’s researchers.
Internships for graduate students from other Boston area universities
The Gaston Institute, with its focus on the Latino population of the region, is a unique resource for graduate students in universities in the Boston area. Graduate interns may work on a research project under the direction of one of the Institute’s research Associates and, in some cases, the Institute may be able to provide opportunities for students to develop their own projects, providing both mentorship and support. Students from MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University and other colleges have worked as interns in research and policy projects at the Gaston Institute.
Employment for graduate students from UMass Boston and other universities in the Boston area
From time to time, the Gaston Institute offers part-time, short term employment for graduate students studying both at UMass Boston and at other area universities.
To learn more about internships, employment or short term opportunities at the Institute, please contact Dr. Maria Idali Torres (617.287.5790).
