How to Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with UC San Diego Extended Studies

This month, also recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month across the United States, is a time to reflect on the vibrant cultures, histories, and achievements of Latinx and Hispanic individuals. 

At UC San Diego Extended Studies, this celebration extends beyond mere recognition—it embodies a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community engagement for Latinx and Hispanic learners every day of the year.

History of Latinx Heritage Month

Since 2020, UC San Diego has celebrated Latinx Heritage Month to inclusively recognize the rich heritage, history, cultures, and contributions of our Latinx community. 

The national observance each year dates back to September 17, 1968, when National Hispanic Heritage Week was officially authorized by the U.S. Congress, declaring September 15 and 16 as the kickoff. President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed the first Hispanic Heritage Week that same day, calling upon the “people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

The mid-September timing aligns with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American countries. Five Central American nations—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—declared sovereignty from Spain on September 15, 1821. In his proclamation, President Johnson recognized Mexico, which declared independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. Though Johnson did not specifically mention Chile, the country also celebrated its independence that same week, on September 18, 1810. Belize, which gained independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1981, was later included among the nations honored during what is now known as Hispanic Heritage Month.

How You Can Get Involved in Latinx Heritage Month

There are many ways to get involved in Latinx Heritage Month activities, learn about the annual observance, and celebrate in your community. 

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Attend Events and Festivals
  Look for local festivals, art exhibits, or cultural performances that highlight Latinx heritage. Many cities host parades, concerts, and food festivals, which are great opportunities to experience Latinx culture firsthand.
  • Read more about UC San Diego Park & Market’s Intersecciones Concert Series below!
• Support Latinx-Owned Businesses
  Explore and support Latinx-owned restaurants, shops, and businesses. Whether it’s trying a new cuisine or purchasing from a local or online artisan, your support of these enterprises is a meaningful way to contribute to the community.
• Engage with Latinx Literature, Films, and Music
  Dive into Latinx stories through books, films, and music. Read works by Latinx authors, watch movies by Latinx filmmakers, or explore the diverse genres of Latinx music, from salsa to reggaeton. 
  • Stay tuned to UC San Diego Extended Studies social channels to see our staff’s favorite picks! 
  • View LATINO AMERICANS on PBS, the first major documentary series for television to chronicle the rich and varied history and experiences of Latinos
• Participate in Educational Workshops
  Many organizations host workshops and panel discussions on topics like Latinx history, identity, and social issues. Attending these can expand your understanding and awareness of the contributions and challenges facing the Latinx community.
  • Check out the options we have listed below!
• Volunteer or Donate
  Many Latinx-focused nonprofits work on issues such as immigration, education, and healthcare. Consider volunteering your time or donating to causes that support Latinx communities.

For more ideas, visit UC San Diego’s Latinx Heritage Month calendar. 

UC San Diego Extended Studies Honors Latinx and Hispanic Heritage All Year 

To provide equitable access to educational and career growth for all and engage our binational community, UC San Diego Extended Studies consistently offers courses taught in Spanish, career pathways for bilingual speakers, and binational arts and cultural experiences.

Whether you’re seeking to advance your education or career, or simply immerse yourself in cultural enrichment activities, there's an opportunity for you. Following are some key areas to explore.

Mi Universidad: An Educational Gateway for Latinx and Hispanic Communities

At the heart of the division's dedication to serving the Latinx and Hispanic communities is the Mi Universidad initiative. Designed with the input of parents, families, and future students, this program offers free in-person and virtual classes through UC San Diego Extended Studies. Courses are taught entirely in Spanish and offered to everyone—from high school students to professionals, parents, and lifelong learners—on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The program’s mission is to make high-quality education accessible and culturally affirming to Spanish-speaking communities throughout San Diego and Latin America. Assistant Dean Morgan Appel from UC San Diego Extended Studies Education and Community Outreach, which created and administrates Mi Universidad and a number of other binational programs and partnerships, underscored the mission.

"As part of a public university and emergent Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), we have worked diligently toward providing equitable access to year-round high-quality, lifelong education across the region, including onsite courses in San Diego and Imperial counties, Tijuana, Baja California, and beyond.”

Pathways to Professional Success: Specialized Programs for Spanish Language Speakers

UC San Extended Studies offers specialized programs tailored to the unique needs of the Latinx and Hispanic communities. These programs strongly focus on practical and professional development. Among these are courses and certificate programs to navigate language differences and harness bilingual capabilities.

• Spanish for Healthcare Professionals

The Spanish for Healthcare Professionals program at UC San Diego Extended Studies addresses a critical need in California, where nearly 7 million residents are limited English proficient (LEP). As healthcare providers increasingly encounter Spanish-speaking patients, the ability to communicate effectively in Spanish has become essential. This program equips healthcare professionals with the language skills necessary to provide high-quality care, reducing the likelihood of misdiagnoses and improving patient outcomes. This program is designed for individuals with little or no formal training in medical Spanish.

• Translation and Interpretation 

The Translation and Interpretation (Spanish/English) program offers rigorous, high-level courses designed for individuals interested in taking their career to the next level. The demand for qualified translators and interpreters is particularly strong in California, home to a large and linguistically diverse population. This program prepares students to meet that demand, providing the professional training needed to excel in a field that is vital to facilitating communication in our increasingly globalized world. This program is designed for individuals who are fluent in both English and Spanish, including the ability to speak, read, and write at a second-year university level. 

• English as a Second Language (ESL)

Designed to improve the English language skills of professionals, academics, and those in the American workplace, ESL courses are for adults who seek to become more successful in career or academic studies by improving their English language skills. Classes focus on key subject areas like academic and technical writing; business English communication; grammar and vocabulary; conversation, discussion, and oral presentation; medical English; and English pronunciation and fluency. 

UC San Diego Park & Market: Where Cultural Intersections Thrive

The commitment to the Latinx and Hispanic communities extends beyond traditional classroom settings, reaching into cultural and artistic spheres through the Intersecciones series at UC San Diego Park & Market. This interdisciplinary event series highlights the unique intersection of culture, art, and innovation across borders.

Launched in 2024, the Intersecciones series brings together artists, thinkers, and innovators from the United States and Mexico, creating a vibrant space for cultural exchange and dialogue. Events in this series have explored music, film, food, and society through experiential and educational presentations—all designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Latinx and Hispanic communities while also exploring new ideas. By celebrating the cultural intersections that define our region, Park & Market not only honors the past but also looks forward to a future of continued collaboration and creativity.

Learn more about Intersecciones and other Park & Market programs by signing up to receive the UC San Diego Park & Market e-newsletters.

Conclusion: Latinx Heritage Month is Just One Opportunity in the Year

Latinx Heritage Month is more than an annual celebration—it's a dedication to cultivating and sharing educational opportunities for Latinx and Hispanic communities. Through initiatives like Mi Universidad, specialized professional programs, and cultural events like Intersecciones, UC San Diego Extended Studies is actively working to create an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all learners. 

Whether you are a student, a professional, or a lifelong learner, UC San Diego Extended Studies invites you to join in this journey, embrace the opportunities available, and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to education, culture, and innovation.