Latin American Studies Chispa Grants provide a chispa—a spark—to help LAS students initiate community projects related to their academic work or to present at conferences. Eligibility is limited to declared LAS majors, first-year students considering an LAS major, and non-majors who are substantially engaged with the LAS program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Past recipients are encouraged to apply for funds again. Grants are funded in two categories:
1) Civic Engagement Project. Up to $300 to support a civic engagement project designed in conjunction with academic work in a course taken at Macalester or while studying abroad in Latin America. Funds may be used for a broad array of project-related expenses (e.g., books, travel, local transit, registration fees, food at events, publicity, meals related to project).
2) Conference Travel. Up to $300 to support presenting original work at a conference outside the Twin Cities. Funds may be used for travel expenses, lodging, meals, and conference fees. Students are expected to first apply to the Student Travel Fund, before asking for Chispa conference travel funds.