The 2026-2027 cohort features researchers whose work bridges the theoretical and the practical, seeking to affect concrete change — from evolving how institutions of higher education support native Spanish speakers, to shaping childcare policy, to developing new frameworks to aid in the legal fight against climate change.

In a new internship with the City of Davis, UC Davis students are helping the city better meet the needs of its Spanish speaking residents. A cohort of five students spent months working with City staff, learning best practices when it comes to translating content such as city documents, press releases, public service announcements and social media posts.

The Spanish language is having a "historical moment of visibility" in the U.S. this year thanks to Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny. The worldwide superstar's pride in his culture and use of language validates an experience that many bilingual Spanish speakers, including at UC Davis, relate to. Professors and students in the College of Letters and Science recently weighed in on the current cultural moment.