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Support the Endowment
Your support can make a significant difference. You can support our endowment to help institutionalize our approach.The Hispanic and Emerging Communities Lab at NAU
Welcome to The Hispanic and Emerging Communities Lab (The HEC Lab) at Northern Arizona University. We collect and analyze behavioral research data that reflects Arizona’s rich history and diversity to educate and prepare the next generation of leaders in the Grand Canyon State.
What is The HEC Lab?
The HEC Lab, inspired by Dr. Richard Young’s legacy, is more than a program initiative. It’s a commitment to integrating Arizona’s vibrant history into meaningful research. By partnering with researchers, advocates, and civic organizations, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Arizona’s communities through our innovative research.
Our mission and goals
Our mission is to be a central hub on campus to train undergraduate students to perform critical analysis using quantitative and qualitative data that is relevant and current to emerging issues in Arizona. The work we train our students to do will be a repository of insight for the community and for policymakers seeking in-depth and insightful scholarship that enhances our understanding of Arizona’s civic culture. We follow a narrative that centers our inquiry on Arizona’s diverse cultural landscape, leading to more informed and inclusive policymaking.
Preparing Students for the Future
Partnering with us means contributing to research that serves the public good and helps shape the future leaders of Arizona. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Northern Arizona University is at the forefront of transforming Arizona’s economic, social, and political landscape through skill development, career preparation, and community building.
Skill development Accordion Closed
The HEC Lab equips students with opportunities to develop skills to keep them competitive in today’s marketplace, including critical thinking, data analysis, project management, research design, and more.
- Advocacy
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Focus groups
- Policy Analysis
- Quantitative Analysis
- Research design
- Surveys
Career preparation Accordion Closed
Students build a portfolio of skills to impress future employers and graduate schools. These skills pave the way for careers as legislative staff, policy analysts, nonprofit organizers, social advocates, survey researchers, and many others.
- Legislative Staff
- Non-profits
- Organizer
- Political Consultant
- Policy Analyst
- Social Advocate
- Survey Researcher
Community building Accordion Closed
Our community-building and development efforts span critical domains that matter to our students and to Arizona. The lab wants to attract students who want to advocate for their community through the competent and responsible use of data analysis.
- Environment
- Economic Opportunity
- Education
- Energy
- Gender
- Health Care
- Housing
- Immigration
- Public Safety
- Rural communities
- Transportation
- Voting Rights