The State of the State for Washington Latinos

A large number of Latino students lack access to the resources and opportunities necessary for academic achievement, according to recent statistics on the achievement gap in Washington state schools. Because Latino students comprise one third of the students in the Walla Walla Public Schools (WWPS), our community-based research project aims to address the needs of [...]

Primary Research Question: What role should neighborhood organizations serve to best meet the needs of low-income populations in Walla Walla? A common misconception of social services is that they are abused by “free-riders” within a community. However, service utilization is often far below expected. This is the case in Walla Walla. Various factors influence need, [...]

A Promise of Democracy – This project is the collaborative effort of three seniors at Whitman College – Christine Kiely, Lauren McCullough and Seth Dawson – working in conjunction with Joaquin Avila and the National Voting Rights Advocacy Initiative. Through a detailed examination of electoral histories across ten counties and interviews with prominent members of [...]

“State of the State” researchers Spencer May, Madelyn Peterson, Daniel Merritt (left to right).  Project Title:  “Inmigración, Comunidad, y Seguridad” (Immigration, Community, and Security) – How Secure Communities Affects Latinos and Local Law Enforcement in Eastern Washington State. Partner: OneAmerica Location: Secure Communities in Franklin, Benton, Walla Walla and Yakima Counties, WA This Fall, we are researching the effects [...]

Our project will focus on the English Language Learners (ELL) policies, practices, and experiences in Walla Walla Public Schools. In 2011, over 31% of students in Walla Walla Public Schools identified as Latino/a, many of who will enter ELL programs during their educational careers. Our survey will explore how schools throughout the district have anticipated [...]