Mission

The Program for Heritage Speakers of Spanish at SMU is committed to empowering students with Spanish-speaking backgrounds by building on their existing linguistic abilities and fostering a deeper connection to their multicultural roots.

Our program provides tailored instruction to enhance proficiency in spoken and written Spanish while celebrating the diverse traditions and identities of the Spanish-speaking world. By cultivating critical awareness of multilingualism and the experiences of Spanish-speaking communities in the U.S., we aim to inspire pride, academic growth, and community advocacy, while simultaneously preparing students to confidently navigate academic, professional, and personal spheres. Through innovative pedagogy and an inclusive, supportive learning environment, we prepare students to thrive as confident multilingual communicators and active contributors in a multicultural society.

The Program for Heritage Speakers of Spanish at SMU adopts an additive approach to language learning and teaching, with the end goal of promoting Spanish language development and maintenance in Texas.