Latino Policy Institute @ RWU
The Latino Policy Institute (LPI) at Roger Williams University works to stimulate public policy discourse by examining and communicating the evolving experiences of the Latino community in Rhode Island. LPI is made up of professionals representing a diverse range of sectors and disciplines. We are committed to educating, activating, and motivating community members and stakeholders to ignite positive change in the lives of all Latinos in Rhode Island.
LPI is housed within the RWU UC campus. As a community partner, the institute provides a foundation and sounding board for policy discourse and public understanding for a better Latino experience in Rhode Island. Using research, data, and partnerships with other organizations such as HousingWorksRI we present a better understanding through our annual reports of Latinos’ social, economic and civic contributions to the state.
Our Mission & Our Vision
LPI stimulates public policy discourse by objectively examining and communicating the evolving Latino experience in Rhode Island. LPI is a leader in providing information and analysis of the Latino community in order to influence decision and policymaking to achieve greater social, political, and economic equity.
Our Values
- Educate - LPI seeks to inform community members, policy makers and stakeholders about the challenges and successes of the Latino community in RI through research and strategic communication efforts.
- Motivate - LPI seeks to energize community members and stakeholders to take bold action towards promoting and creating an equitable experience for all Rhode Islanders.
- Activate - LPI seeks to engage the Latino community to participate in the decision and policymaking process through advocacy and civic engagement.
Latino Policy Institute Research
Focusing on education and workforce, LPI has previously published critical reports on the state of education for both children and adults in the Latinos in the state “Latino Student achievement in Rhode Island: Addressing Equity Challenges and the ELL crisis.” As well as the “Engaging Latinos in Rhode Island Small Business Initiatives”, which findings focused on a qualitative study around small business initiatives in Rhode Island, directly focusing on the Latino community.