Throughout the 1980s, the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) initiated efforts to integrate the rapidly growing Hispanic-American population into mainstream theological education. ATS, along with the Fund for Theological Education (FTE), enlisted theological educators, notably Dr. Justo González, a professor specializing in Latinx studies, who led a national investigation into Latinx theological education.

His research underscored a significant gap in the epistemologies, pedagogies, and scholarly expertise of the Latinx community. Thus, on June 25, 1989, the Hispanic Summer Program (HSP), a two-week, three-credit, graduate-level program, was established to strengthen Hispanic ministry by educating Latinx students and those serving Latinx communities.

“HSP provides an opportunity for Latinx faculty members to teach courses in a Latinx majority classroom on topics relevant to the distinctive Hispanic community,” says Jorge Rodríguez V, Ph.D., associate director for HSP.

HSP Executive Director Dr. Daisy L. Machado has led the expansion of the vision and mission, and since 2017 it has grown exponentially in its offerings and impact, incorporating new programming, a full-time staff, a governing board, finance and fundraising workshops, an alumni network, an online curriculum, and chaplaincy courses.

“In 2020, we realized that our name didn’t match who we’ve become,” says Rodríguez. “While our mission has remained the same, our impact has seen incredible expansion. If we’re going to have long-term growth, we need a name that more clearly communicates that. The Hispanic Scholars Program better reflects our vision and our ambition, while remaining grounded in our original mission.”

More than 1,800 seminarians and graduate students from 40 institutions in master’s or doctorate programs have participated in the initiative. Plans include a pilot program for undergraduate Latinx students and additional regional workshops.

Read more about HSP and its program: click here.