Programs
This initiative is structured to develop global competencies, intercultural communication skills, and empower San Antonio’s youth. Our goal is to make a meaningful impact across diverse cultures and geographical boundaries, having positively influenced over 900 students to date. At the heart of our efforts is the Virtual Exchange program which connects students in San Antonio Independent School Districts to their peers in the Middle East and North Africa region. Past exchanges have successfully linked San Antonio students to those in Libya, Palestine, Qatar, and Algeria. Additionally, we host an Arabic STEAM Camp annually, which allows students to learn Arabic language and culture, as well as gain cultural community insight through fieldtrips across San Antonio, and engage in hands-on STEAM activities, fostering both personal growth and global awareness.
Community & Economic Development
This program aims to foster a thriving, inclusive community within San Antonio's Medical Center, ensuring local residents and small business owners can prosper and cultivate a strong sense of belonging without the threat of gentrification or displacement. Through our program, we empower the community to share their stories with oral histories, amplify their voices, and actively participate in citywide events that celebrate our shared heritage. Key focuses include enhancing parks and streets in the Medical Center, supporting local small businesses, and advocating for the designation of Wurzbach Road as a Cultural Heritage District. By fostering sustainable development and cultural preservation, we aim to create a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Career & Financial Opportunity
Our program supports immigrants and refugees in leveraging their skills from their home countries to integrate into the US workforce as well as support all Texans in career development. We provide assistance in obtaining US job credentials, on-the-job training, and financial literacy courses to support generational wealth creation. Noteworthy is Culturingua’s recognition as an Accredited Food Handling Certification Provider by the State of Texas, Department of Health and Human Services. We are the first in Texas to offer training courses in Pashto and Dari, and the first in San Antonio to offer training in Arabic. We offer all of these languages in addition to English completely free of charge, having already certified over 120 individuals and empowered over 200 to succeed in their professional endeavors and contribute to their new communities.
Policy, Advocacy, & Civic Engagement
Dedicated to advocating for Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian individuals alongside other marginalized populations at the federal, state, and local level. PACE utilizes cutting-edge research and data driven practices to focus on policies in areas addressing data equity, health equity, affordable housing, restorative justice, and others. Through coalition-building, partnerships, and community engagement, PACE actively works to advance the rights and well-being of our community.
