ELAC and Universidad de Oriente UNIVO Forge Partnership to Empower Salvadoran Community through Education

April 5, 2024

News Media Contact:

Kevin Jimenez, College Public Relations Manager

(323) 265-8807 | @email

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and Universidad de Oriente UNIVO Forge Partnership to Empower Salvadoran Community through Education

Monterey Park, CA - In a historic move aimed at fostering education and economic growth for the Salvadoran community in both El Salvador and the Los Angeles area, East Los Angeles College (ELAC) and Universidad de Oriente UNIVO, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU signing was announced during a press conference on April 5th, attended by esteemed dignitaries and officials committed to advancing educational opportunities for the Salvadoran diaspora. Among the distinguished individuals present were LACCD Board President Nichelle Henderson, LACCD Trustee Gabriel Buelna, ELAC President Alberto J. Román, UNIVO Rector Dr. Pedro Arieta, UNIVO Vice Rector Ever Israel Martinez, Consul General of the Salvadorian Consulate Office Alejandro Letona, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Salvadorian Consulate Office Adriana Mira.

The purpose of this landmark agreement is to establish a robust partnership between ELAC and UNIVO, dedicated to empowering Salvadoran community members through collaborative educational initiatives. Through joint teaching and professional development activities, student exchanges, research projects, and scholarly visits, both institutions aim to provide educational opportunities that enable individuals to achieve their full potential.

The signing ceremony took place at the Salvadoran Consulate on April 4th, followed by a symbolic signing and press conference at East Los Angeles College on April 5th. The day continued with a campus tour, showcasing the facilities and resources available to students participating in the collaborative programs.

President Alberto J. Román of ELAC expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This MOU signifies a significant step forward in our commitment to serving the Salvadoran community and promoting educational excellence. By joining forces with UNIVO, we can create impactful opportunities that will benefit students and enrich our communities."

As both institutions embark on this collaborative journey, they look forward to implementing innovative programs and initiatives that will empower Salvadoran community members and foster cross-cultural exchange and understanding.

About East Los Angeles College: ELAC is the largest of nine two-year community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), www.laccd.edu. More information about ELAC is available online at http://www.elac.edu/. Follow ELAC on social media, Instagram @ELACHuskies, X @EastLACollege, and Facebook @Eastlacollege.