FAQs
Q. Is the name of the program “I LEAD” or “¡LEAD!” or “LEAD”?
Q. Who can be a LEAD student?
Q. Is the name of the program “I LEAD” or “¡LEAD!” or “LEAD”?
A. That symbol sometimes used in front of the word LEAD is an upside down exclamation
mark. “¡” is used in Spanish to indicate emphasis before you read the word or sentence. Because
the symbol sometimes confuses people, we occasionally drop it, and just use “LEAD.” That’s
the acronym for Latina/o Empowerment at De Anza.
Q. Who can be a LEAD student?
A. LEAD welcomes all De Anza students to participate in our programs. The focus of
our classes is on service learning, social justice and the development of familia.
LEAD students don’t have to be Latina/o or speak Spanish to take part in the program.
They just need a desire to learn about their community and get involved in it. About
30% of the students who are active in LEAD classes and the LEAD club are Latina/o.
3. What makes a LEAD class different than any other class?
A LEAD class includes a couple of components you might not find in other classes: 1)
LEAD students work in familias, or sustained groups, throughout the quarter. Familias
may be different than groups you’ve worked in, because we sincerely try to build
a sense of family understanding, responsibility, and commitment in our classes. 2)
LEAD classes incorporate 12 hours of service learning in every class. We believe that
we learn best when we are directly involved with the subject we’re studying. For instance,
if you’re in an English Composition class where you are reading and writing about
immigration, you will probably also be working with a Community Partner whose focus
is immigrant services.
4. Who are LEAD Faculty?
All De Anza Faculty are welcome to join the LEAD program. LEAD faculty work together
to plan classes, develop course topics, coordinate field trips and create service
learning opportunities. LEAD faculty are committed to the basic principals of developing
young leaders through incorporating service learning, social justice, and familia
in their classes.
5. What classes does LEAD offer?
Currently we offer:
EWRT200
EWRT211
EWRT1A
EWRT2
EWRT1B
SOC20/EWRT1B LInC
ICS35Z/CHC35Z – online class
WMST21/ELIT21
6. Can a student join the LEAD program at any point? Or do they have to take all of
the LEAD classes to be a LEAD student?
Students can join the program at any point in their academic career at De Anza, and
are welcome to take as few or as many LEAD classes as they like. Sometimes a student
comes into a class without knowing it’s a LEAD class, and the like it, so they take
another LEAD class the next quarter. When a student signs up for their second LEAD
class, we consider them a “LEAD student”.
7. How can a student find LEAD classes?
LEAD classes are designated in the notation on the online schedule. We’re working
to get a designating mark for the next schedule. Maybe it will be a “¡”
8. What are the benefits of being a LEAD student?
The best thing about becoming a LEAD student is that you will be a part of a group
of people who are committed to social justice, and sustaining positive relationships
through familia. . LEAD students also have a lot of fun through their participation
in the LEAD club, and by attending LEAD sponsored conferences, volunteer experiences,
and field trips. LEAD students get scholarships, transfer to the schools of their
choice, and do meaningful work in their communities.
9. What is the LEAD Community Service Award?
This award is given to an AB540/Undocumented student for significant contributions
to the community. The award is funded with money raised by the LEAD students, and
LEAD alumni choose the recipient. In 2010, LEAD gave $3,000 in Community Service Awards
to De Anza students.
10. What do LEAD alumni do?
We are very proud to say that LEAD alumni go on to do great work in our community. Several
members of the first LEAD class are now graduates of the UC system, Santa Clara University,
and Stanford. They work in diverse fields including academia, law, pharmacy and health
care, social work, and immigrant rights.