Another opprotunity for Spanish students to improve their fluency and go beyond textbook learning is working at the Centro Latino.

“Working closely with my supervisor, Betsy Dahms, to assist in opening the Centro Latino gave me insight into the process of identifying a need and actively responding to it.  As a Spanish major, I value the opportunity to apply what I have learned in classes at Centre to conversations with real people in the community.  Volunteering at the Centro Latino also fulfills my personal desire to participate in community service.  As a Bonner Leader, I am able to share my experiences in doing service with other Bonners.”

Shelly Hines ‘07
Anthropology & Spanish double major

About the Centro Latino

Most Latinos in Kentucky are migrant workers.  Few speak English, making it difficult for Latino families to obtain health care and other necessary services.  With the generous support of a 3M Foundation Vision grant, Centre College has established the Centro Latino to help meet the needs of this growing Hispanic community.  The Centro, located two blocks from Centre’s campus at 326 West Main Street, functions as a referral center, providing pertinent information about local agencies offering services to Latinos.  Its  staff of students and faculty meets other important needs of the Hispanic community, such as translating at doctor’s and dentist’s appointments, enrolling children in school, and running special social and educational programs.

Goals of the Centro Latino

• Advance the Spanish language skills and cultural sensitivity of Centre College students
• Improve the lives of Latinos in the Danville/Boyle County area and help them to become better integrated into the community by connecting them with community agencies
• Help to break down the “town/gown” dynamic by involving Centre College students in the well-being of their community outside of the college itself

How do Centre students get involved?

There are various opportunities for students to be involved with the Centro Latino in a service learning environment.  Students can volunteer at the Centro directly during the weekday hours of operation, or can be involved in other projects like composing informational pamphlets, maintaining the Centro web page, and working in the community with various organizations.

Why do students get involved?

Besides being an excellent opportunity to gain real-world practice with the Spanish language, working with the Centro gives students a chance to take an active role in their community.  By speaking with native Spanish speakers in the intake and referral process, Centre Spanish students gain not only practical experience that is difficult to simulate in a classroom setting, but also learn more about the Danville community, the services it provides, and how best to utilize those services. 

Also, students have the chance to work closely with the Centre Spanish faculty; students and faculty work side-by-side at the Centro, often collaborating on projects and ideas. 

“I came to Centre with no experience with Spanish. By the beginning of my sophomore year, after only two introductory semesters, I had started working at the Centro Latino at the suggestion of one of my professors.  Being a part of this has provided an outlet for language practice that a classroom setting simpy can’t, and it has given me a chance to help and get to know people I probably never would have encountered otherwise.  Besides that, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s an opportunity to work with and really get to know several members of the Spanish faculty at Centre.”

Kerri Howard ‘08
Sociology & Spanish double major