On November 7, UTSA will host the inaugural Mexican American Studies Youth Conference

The goal is to promote the growth and advancement of the next generation of Mexican-American scholars and leaders Melissa Renee Saeñz ’24, UTSA MAS graduate and member of the MAS Youth Conference publicity committee.

“Planning this conference gives me hope,” Saeñz said. “It makes me proud to see our work – our activism, our support and commitment of researchers and faculty at places like UTSA, San Antonio College and higher education institutions across Yanaguana (San Antonio, Texas) – making an impact. We don’t just teach history; we claim our history and we demand that our voices be heard in every classroom, from kindergarten to college.”

The growth of Mexican American studies in Texas dates to 2014, when MAS scholars and community members successfully campaigned for the state to approve an elective Mexican American studies course.

Saldaña, co-director of the MAS Teacher Academy, reports that the elective has seen a significant increase in enrollment over the past year, according to data collected by the academy from Texas Education Agency. Last year, more than 11,901 high school students from across Texas participated.

“The growth of Mexican American studies in our state’s public schools is a testament to the hard work and support 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 hosting students, this month’s MAS Youth Conference will feature UTSA alumni and faculty, creating a space for intergenerational exchange and the sharing of personal testimonies about the impact of Mexican American studies.

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