That purpose is at the heart of the University’s Center for Translation & Interpretation, an initiative that connects the University, local community, and culture through the Spanish language.
Launched in 2019, the Center operates at the intersection of experiential learning for students, community service, and institutional transformation. Its work includes live interpretation at major University events like fall and spring commencement, translation of essential materials, and hands-on student learning embedded in real-world contexts.
Partnership is central to the Center’s approach. It collaborates closely with Cal Poly Humboldt’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI), as well as community organizations and events like El Centro del Pueblo and the Latino Film Festival. These collaborations highlight the Center’s purpose to serve students and families in meaningful, culturally responsive ways and elevate Cal Poly Humboldt's commitments as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Latinx students make up approximately 30% of the student body.
The Center has recently finished an ambitious new project translating fact sheets into Spanish for all 87 of the University’s academic programs. These materials, often a first point of contact for prospective students and their families, play a crucial role in college access. By making them available in Spanish, the Center is helping more families engage with academic offerings, understand pathways, and support their students’ decisions.
“Language isn’t something students should feel they have to leave behind when they come to University,” says Center Director Agustín Amaro. “Maintaining and developing their first language is a strength that connects them to their communities, families, and futures. Our goal is to create spaces where that knowledge is valued and cultivated.”
That philosophy shapes the Center’s role in teaching and learning. Housed within the Department of Applied Humanities, the Center is closely integrated into the curriculum. Students engage with foundational principles of translation and interpretation like accuracy, ethics, and cultural nuance, and then apply those skills in real-world settings.
This experiential approach will expand further with the launch of a new minor in Spanish Healthcare Interpretation - the first of its kind in the CSU system. The Center will play a key role in that program, helping prepare students to work in medical and clinical settings where clear, accurate communication can directly impact care and outcomes. As demand grows for trained interpreters in healthcare, the program positions students for meaningful careers while addressing a critical statewide need.
The Center’s influence extends well beyond campus. It regularly provides pro bono translation and interpretation services to local organizations, including the Humboldt County Office of Education, the City of Arcata, and the City of Eureka. These partnerships reinforce the University’s role as a regional resource, supporting communication and access in public institutions that serve diverse communities.
Learn more about Cal Poly Humboldt’s Center for Translation & Interpretation.