Recommendation 20250305-006: Funding for Academia Cuauhtli — original pdf

Recommendation

EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250305-6 Date: March 5, 2025 Subject: FY2026 Budget Recommendation – Funding for Academia Cuauhtli Motioned By: Board Member Anthony Martinez Recommendation The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Advisory Board (MACC) recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to take the following actions and to allocate funds for the following item for FY 2026. 1. Support funding for Academia Cuauhtli’s FY26 operating expenses in the amount of $106,000. Seconded By: Board Member John Estrada Rationale: Academia Cuauhtli: Academia Cuauhtli is a bilingual cultural revitalization program for third to fifth grade students attending AISD schools. Its mission is to honor cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom. For the past 10 years they have focused on establishing various partnership and initiatives within the community with key focuses on students, teachers, parents, and community members. The bilingual cultural revitalization Saturday Academy offers ethnic studies and Danza Mexica instruction to AISD third- to fifth-graders at no cost, including breakfast and transportation. The parent support program engages families during the Saturday Academy, providing community resources tailored to their needs. The Summer program consist of a culturally sustaining STEAM program for third to fifth grade AISD students to learn coding and Danza Mexica in both Spanish and English. The teacher professional development opportunities prepare and mentor teachers through support networks, professional development workshops and conferences. The MACC Advisory Board supports the ongoing funding request of Academia Cuauhtli in the amount of $106,000 to support the academic and cultural growth, sense of identity, and belonging of indigenous, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking youth in Austin. 1 of 2  Vote For: Vice Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Noemi Castro, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera Against: Abstain: Absent: Chair Angelica Navarro, Member Mónica Siañez, Member Gerardo Gandy Attest: ___________________________ Michelle Rojas, Staff Liaison 2 of 2