Davenport University is expanding its online, bilingual program, Casa Latina, to include three additional associate degrees and two graduate certificates, available to students in Fall 2025.

The university chose April, National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, to make this announcement to highlight the need for ongoing support and advocacy for multilingual learners, one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S.

Casa Latina, established in the fall of 2024, will now include fully online and bilingual associate degrees in accounting, business administration and human resource management, and graduate certificates in business essentials and human resource management. These offerings are in addition to the 12 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs currently available to students.

“Casa Latina provides a range of career-focused undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with bilingual support services and scholarship opportunities,” said Alejandra Guillén, director of Marketing & Recruitment, Casa Latina. “Graduates leave professionally fluent in both English and Spanish, with the skills and cultural understanding to succeed in diverse work environments.”

Davenport found bilingual students, especially first-generation students, were looking for programs that fit their lifestyle, but not everyone was ready to commit to a four-year program.

“At Davenport, Casa Latina students will now have the option to start with a two-year associate degree, reap the fruits of that commitment, and then finish their undergraduate degree when it’s convenient for them,” said Guillén.

Casa Latina is designed to empower bilingual individuals and elevate the value of Spanish-English fluency in professional settings. The program is designed for those with underdeveloped or underutilized language skills, helping them achieve full proficiency and succeed in high-demand fields, such as business, technology, health care and urban education.

“With nearly half a million Latinos in Michigan, and only 2% holding a postsecondary degree, the need for an accessible, culturally affirming educational pathway is urgent,” said Guillén. “Casa Latina exists to meet this need. Many Spanish-speaking individuals—especially those who feel their English skills are not strong enough—have long considered college out of reach. Casa Latina removes this barrier, offering a fully bilingual pathway to higher education.”

The initiative is grounded in the belief that bilingualism, when fully developed, is a powerful asset. It enhances cognitive abilities, expands socioeconomic opportunities and strengthens communities. The program prepares its students not just to succeed individually, but to contribute meaningfully to the organizations and communities they serve.

For more information about Casa Latina at Davenport University, visit https://www.davenport.edu/casa-latina.