Latino Creatives & Performing Arts in Santa Ana, CA

Established in 1972, Grupo Folklorico de USC represents a foundational commitment to supporting Latinx students at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Operating as a key component of La CASA, the student organization has evolved into a vital community space dedicated to empowerment, cultural celebration, and student success. The organization serves as a gathering place where undergraduate and graduate students can connect with their cultural identity while building lasting relationships within a supportive, invested, and vibrant community. The mission of Grupo Folklorico de USC centers on five Pillars of Success: Community Building and Cultural Engagement, Cultural Awareness, Leadership Development, Social Consciousness, and Student Wellbeing. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive holistic support encompassing academic excellence, professional growth, and personal healing. The organization actively works to educate the broader USC campus about the diverse cultures represented within the Latinx community, fostering understanding and recognition of the diaspora experiences of its members. Located at USC's Student Union in Los Angeles, Grupo Folklorico de USC welcomes all students regardless of background to learn, participate, and engage with the community. The organization's dedicated staff and student Culture Ambassadors create enriching, thought-provoking programming that builds bridges across campus communities. By promoting intersectional advocacy and celebrating the voices of Latinx students, Grupo Folklorico de USC continues its legacy of providing spaces where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their academic, social, and professional aspirations.

Founded in 1966, Grupo Folklorico de UCLA represents a legacy of cultural pride and community service rooted in the heart of Los Angeles, California. This student-led organization emerged from a deep commitment to honoring and maintaining the rich traditions of Latino heritage, creating a welcoming space where UCLA students can connect with their cultural roots while contributing meaningfully to their community. The group's enduring presence on campus reflects the importance of cultural organizations in supporting student identity, belonging, and academic success. At its core, Grupo Folklorico de UCLA is driven by a mission to celebrate Latino heritage while simultaneously addressing real challenges facing underrepresented students at the university. The organization recognizes that cultural engagement and community connection are vital components of student retention and wellbeing. Through mentorship programs and youth outreach initiatives, the group extends its impact beyond UCLA's campus to inspire young people throughout Los Angeles to pursue higher education and embrace their cultural identities with confidence and pride. The organization operates as a close-knit community of performers, leaders, and advocates who understand the transformative power of cultural expression. By maintaining traditional folkloric practices while fostering contemporary dialogue about identity and belonging, Grupo Folklorico de UCLA creates spaces where students develop leadership skills, cultural awareness, and a sense of purpose. The group's work demonstrates how student organizations can serve as vital bridges between university communities and the broader Los Angeles region, enriching campus life while empowering youth and strengthening cultural continuity.

Mariachi de Uclatlán is a student-led musical organization at the University of California – Los Angeles that carries a profound mission of cultural preservation and community engagement. Founded informally in 1961 and formally established as a course of study in 1964, this groundbreaking ensemble emerged as the first of its kind at an American university, reflecting UCLA's commitment to honoring diverse musical traditions within the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles, California. At its heart, Mariachi de Uclatlán embodies values of voice, counterpoint, resonance, and virtuosity—principles that guide the entire UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music community. The ensemble brings together students from across UCLA's diverse academic disciplines, united by their passion for traditional Mexican music and cultural heritage. This inclusive approach transforms the ensemble into more than a performance group; it becomes a bridge connecting students to Mexican cultural traditions and to one another through shared artistic expression. Under the mentorship of Grammy-winning director Jesús "Chuy" Guzmán, ensemble members develop both technical excellence and deep cultural understanding. The organization celebrates life, honors traditions, and maintains connections to Mexican communities through performances that range from concert halls to cultural celebrations throughout Los Angeles and beyond. Recent international performances, including a notable visit to Japan in partnership with Mariachi Los Camperos, demonstrate the ensemble's role in fostering intercultural musical partnerships and global cultural dialogue. Mariachi de Uclatlán represents UCLA's vision of welcoming students from all backgrounds and providing mentorship that prepares them to flourish in an evolving musical landscape. By preserving and performing traditional Mexican musical styles—son jalisciense, son huasteco, bolero, ranchera, and huapango—the ensemble serves as a vital cultural institution within Los Angeles, enriching both the university community and the broader city.