Latinos in Missouri : Gateway to a New Community : Proceedings of the 2004 annual conference Including selected papers from 2003

Abstract

The University of Missouri is proud to bring you the proceedings from the 2003 and 2004 Cambio de Colores conferences. These proceedings showcase the excellent presentations from both events and share information as we continue to explore the challenges and opportunities involving the growing Latino community in Missouri. Cambio de Colores is in the best tradition of land-grant institutions like the University of Missouri. The University is dedicated to providing teaching, research, and service to all Missourians. Such efforts extend beyond the borders of our four campuses to bring knowledge and new ideas to those in every county in the state through our extension programs. Today, the Latino population in Missouri is growing in both urban and rural areas. Not only has the number of Latinos essentially doubled since 1990, but the Latino community is now represented in every one of Missouri's 114 counties. Regardless of where you live, education is the key to prosperity for Latinos, just as it has been for countless generations of Americans. In our great country, education is the key to bringing all of us together.For our part, the University of Missouri is dedicated to preparing the next generation of good citizens. As our world becomes increasingly interdependent, both economically and politically, it is our responsibility to train a diverse group of future leaders who are prepared to think critically and creatively. Conferences such as Cambio de Colores bring us together to exchange experiences and to generate new ideas. I am confident that the insights you garner from these proceedings will benefit Missouri's Latino population. With the support of our campuses, extension, and many sponsors, Cambio de Colores will continue to play an essential role building strong communities in the months and years ahead.