CESLAC

About Us

Since 1992, the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CESLAC) at UCLA has provided cutting-edge, fact-based research, education, and public information about Latinos, their health, their history, and their roles in California. 

California

CESLAC provides data for policymakers, program planners, educators, and the general public, so they can make better informed decisions about how to address Latino health and education. Under the leadership of Dr. David E. Hayes-Bautista, and with support from generous sponsors, CESLAC is the leading research institution in: 

  • Pioneering medical education for Latino and other underrepresented minority students, including creating the first medical and public health courses at UCLA to focus on Latino health.
  • Debunking myths and stereotypes about Latinos in California
  • Emphasizing the positive contributions of Latinos to the history, economy, and society of California and the entire United States
  • Educating the American public about the American Civil War origins of the Cinco de Mayo holiday via academic publications, public presentations, and school curriculum
  • Reversing the underrepresentation of Latinos and other minorities in the health professions through MEDPEP, a medical preparation and education pipeline program.