UTSA will host its first Youth Conference on Mexican American Studies on November 7

Promoting the growth and development of the next generation of Mexican-American scientists and leaders is the goal Melissa Renee Saenz 24 years old, UTSA MAS alumna and member of the MAS Youth Conference promotions committee.

“Planning this conference gives me hope,” Saenz said. “It fills me with pride to see how our work—our activism, our advocacy, and the commitment of scholars and faculty at places like UTSA, San Antonio College, and institutions of higher education throughout Yanaguana (San Antonio, Texas)—is making a influence. We don’t just teach history; we claim our history and demand that our voices be heard in every classroom, from preschool through higher education.”

The growth of Mexican American Studies in Texas began in 2014 when MAS scholars and community members successfully campaigned for state approval of a Mexican American Studies elective course.

Saldaña, co-director of the MAS Teacher Academy, reports that enrollment in this elective course has increased significantly in the past year, according to data collected by the academy from Texas Education Agency. Last year, more than 11,901 high school students across Texas took this course.

“The growth of Mexican American studies in our state’s public schools is a testament to the hard work and advocacy of scholars, educators and community members,” Saldaña said. “This conference is an opportunity to celebrate this progress and inspire the next generation of MAS leaders and changemakers.”

In addition to welcoming students, the MAS Youth Conference this month will host UTSA alumni and faculty, providing a space for intergenerational exchanges and the sharing of personal testimonies about the impact of Mexican American studies.

The conference is part of a larger initiative funded by UTSA. $100,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation. promote diverse stories and perspectives through community engagement. With the funding, UTSA is also creating a digital testimonial series as well as a community lecture and discussion series featuring MAS faculty.