One of the highest of all Latino population growth rates is in the city of Amsterdam, some 35 miles northwest of Albany in upstate New York. The dramatic increase in immigration from Latin American and Caribbean nations that began in the mid-1960�s continued unabated through the 1990�s. The growth rate is five and a half times greater outside of New York City than within. The University has taken note and UAlbany graduate students are helping address some of the resulting social challenges.

Since 1999, through what was then known as the Council of Latino Service Providers (CLASP), several of the University�s bilingual practicum students in counseling psychology have provided clinical services to patients at one of the city hospital�s mental health units. In turn, the students receive invaluable training experience through these internships.

Now the partnership is ready to expand with UAlbany researchers focusing on the city of Amsterdam in studies that explore and seek solutions to many of the social problems that urban areas face today, such as drug abuse, gangs, poverty and failure in schools. The insights gained through this research are certain to help inform efforts by Amsterdam, as well as other similar cities, to address such issues.

"The goals of this partnership are large but attainable," said University Provost Carlos Santiago. "UAlbany is an ideal institution to work with Amsterdam on these issues. In addition to an outstanding record of community service, the University has a distinguished tradition in the study of the growth of ethnic communities in the Capital Region and beyond."

The University pioneered the development of ethnic studies in the early 1970�s with its department of Puerto Rican, Latin American, and Caribbean studies. The campus is also home to a peer-reviewed journal, The Latino Research Review, and has been the host organization of the Puerto Rican Studies Association.