During the months of May and June, a group of students journeyed south of the border for a month of learning and exploration in Mexico City and surrounding areas. While participating in Project MALES’ second annual study abroad program Latinx Identities Across the Americas, the group took classes at the University of the Americas (Universidad de Las Americas- Puebla), where they studied issues of identity and masculinity among Latinx students in K-12 and higher education in the Mexico and the United States.

Below are a few photo highlights from their day-trips in and around Puebla and Mexico City. You can also hear more about the trip in this podcast featuring Project MALES leaders Dr. Victor Saenz and Dr. Emmet Campos.

Along their many stops, students toured various historic sites and landmarks including Museo Nacional de Antropologia, the neighborhoods of Coyoacán, Roma, La Condensa, La Zona Rosa, the Zocalo public plaza and the Chapultepec Castle. Another highlight from their trip was an excursion to Oaxaca City, where they visited with Muxe Zapotec community leaders and traveled to Monte Alban ruins.

No trip to Mexico City is complete without a night of Lucha Libre!

The group explored ancient cultures and civilizations at famous archeological sites including caves, tunnels and pyramids—most notably the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon in Teotihuacan. The program is led by Dr. Victor Saenz (pictured second from left), executive director of Project MALES and professor of educational leadership and policy; and Dr. Emmet Campos (far right), director of Project MALES and lecturer in the College of Liberal Arts.

The travelers explored Mexico’s culinary arts at a local chocolate house.

Students, faculty and staff gather for a snapshot at the Universidad de Las Americas Puebla (UDLAP), a private university located in Puebla/Cholula who serve as hosts for the UT program.

More About Project MALES
Established in fall 2010, Project MALES includes three initiatives with national, state and local impact: a research institute that disseminates emerging research on males of color in education, the Texas Education Consortium for Males Students of Color, and a student mentoring program embedded within local school districts. All of the interrelated initiatives work toward helping the state of Texas reach its goals outlined in the 60x30TX plan, which calls for 60 percent of Texans ages 25-34 to hold a certificate or degree by 2030.