Latin American Student Association at UCLA

The Latin American Student Association at UCLA is a comprehensive student organization dedicated to fostering academic success and cultural enrichment within the Los Angeles campus community. Operating from their office in Kerckhoff Hall, LASA provides essential programs, services, and educational experiences designed to support the intellectual and personal development of students in a challenging academic environment.

LASA's primary focus centers on promoting the academic achievement of students while strengthening and enhancing Latin American cultural identity on campus. The organization actively supports student retention through targeted initiatives and serves as a representative voice for the Latin American community at UCLA. Their commitment to accessibility is evident in their open membership policy, which welcomes all UCLA students regardless of background and explicitly works to eliminate discrimination based on race, class, origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs.

The organization is renowned for hosting Festival Latino, a vibrant, free all-day festival celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America. This signature event features live music across multiple genres including tropical, regional Mexican, Latin alternative, Latin hip hop, Brazilian, and Latin fusion styles, complemented by authentic Latin cuisine, arts and crafts, games, and dance performances. The festival draws performers ranging from UCLA's renowned student dance groups to professional musicians and brings together the UCLA community with the greater Los Angeles area.

LASA maintains an active presence throughout the academic year, with regular tabling on Bruin Walk and consistent engagement across social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The organization strongly encourages all members to participate actively, creating an inclusive environment where every student can contribute to celebrating and promoting Latin American culture and supporting fellow students in Los Angeles.