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American University Center for Latin American and Latino Studies
The Center for Latin American and Latino Studies at American University established in January 2010, is a campus-wide initiative, under the Office of the Provost, dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of state-of-the- art research. CLALS affiliated faculty and partners study issues related to economic development, democratic governance, cultural diversity, peace and diplomacy, health, education and environmental well-being. The Center generates analysis on these and other issues in partnership with researchers and practitioners from AU and beyond.

Mission
The Centerís mission is three pronged with the core objective being to advance the frontiers of knowledge about Latinos in the United States and about all aspects of Latin American affairs. CLALS is also committed to advancing high-level research by AU graduate students and the establishment of [partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, non-governmental and community organizations, and governmental agencies throughout the United States and Latin America.

Description
Most of the Centerís two dozen projects fall within five thematic clusters: development and inequality; democracy and justice democracy and justice; cultures and creativity; health, environment and society; and hemispheric relations. Ongoing initiatives include the AULA Blog, which aspires to stimulate fresh thinking and creative debate about Latin American public affairs and U.S.-Latin American relations, and InSight Crime, a web-based clearing house for information and analysis of organized crime in Latin America. CLALS receives funding from the Christopher Reynolds Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, State Department and the Tinker Foundation, as well as American University.

Leadership
CLALS is directed by Eric Hershberg, Professor of Government in the School of Public Affairs. Prior to joining American University Hershberg was a Professor of Political Science and the Director of Latin American Studies at Simon Fraser University, in Vancouver, Canada. He also served for fifteen years as a Program Director at the Social Science Research Council in New York City.

Location
CLALS is located near the Tenleytown Campus of American University in northwest Washington, DC. Offices are located at 4545 42nd Street, NW, Suites 307-309, two blocks from the Tenleytown Metro station and approximately one mile from the main campus.