About

Founded in 1961, the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program (LACS) is an interdisciplinary area studies program for Cornell students, faculty, staff, community members, and academic visitors with interests in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Originally the Latin American Studies Program (LASP), we changed our name in 2021 to celebrate our ongoing commitment to Caribbean people and cultures. 

Get involved by attending regular LACS events: weekly seminars run by our graduate fellows, scholar talks, workshops, symposia, conferences, and an annual visiting lecture. We also offer Latin American studies minors for undergraduates and for graduate students and a new Caribbean studies minor launched in fall 2025.