Welcome to our new E-Library!
The UHD Bilingual E-Library proudly hosted its inaugural Gala, Celebrando Nuestras Raíces Hispanas, a vibrant evening celebrating the power of education, the richness of Hispanic heritage, and the strength of community. With inspiring speakers, touching family stories, and lively cultural performances, the event highlighted the transformative impact of the UHD Bilingual E-Library on families across Houston and beyond.
The evening opened with Dr. Julio Cesar Canedo Soto, Associate Professor of Management at UHD and the Gala’s Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Canedo began by showcasing the UHD Bilingual E-Library website, emphasizing its role as a vital resource for families. He explained how the library:
With the website displayed on the screen, attendees saw firsthand how this innovative platform connects families to resources that inspire learning and growth.
Dr. Canedo extended heartfelt recognition to the many individuals and organizations who make the UHD Bilingual E-Library possible. VIPs included UHD faculty, staff, and administrators, Aldine ISD leaders, and community members. Special acknowledgment was given to families from Black Elementary and Bussey Elementary, who contributed their original stories to the library’s collection:
These stories, beautifully illustrated by Nereida Gonzaga and Tamsin Ward, showcased the creativity and dedication of participating families.
Throughout the night, distinguished speakers shared their insights on the importance of education, community, and collaboration:
The evening reached its emotional peak as families shared their experiences with the Bilingual E-Library:
These stories brought the Gala’s mission to life, demonstrating the library’s transformative impact on families.
A highlight of the Gala was the performance by Mariachi de Acero from Aldine ISD, whose music energized the room and paid tribute to the rich traditions of Hispanic culture. The band’s rendition of Las Mañanitas added a personal touch, celebrating the birthdays of two young attendees.
The evening concluded with a lively dance to Marc Anthony’s La Gozadera, led by families from five participating schools. This joyful celebration of heritage brought the event to a rousing close.
The Celebrando Nuestras Raíces Hispanas Gala was more than an evening of celebration—it was a powerful reminder of the impact of education and culture in uniting and uplifting communities. The UHD Bilingual E-Library remains steadfast in its mission to provide resources that empower families, nurture literacy, and bridge gaps in technology and education.
This unforgettable night showcased the profound difference that collaboration, creativity, and commitment can make. The UHD Bilingual E-Library looks forward to continuing its work in building brighter futures for families in Houston and beyond.
La Biblioteca Electrónica Bilingüe de UHD organizó con orgullo su gala inaugural, Celebrando Nuestras Raíces Hispanas, una vibrante velada que celebró el poder de la educación, la riqueza de la herencia hispana y la fortaleza de la comunidad. Con discursos inspiradores, conmovedoras historias familiares y actuaciones culturales animadas, el evento destacó el impacto transformador de la Biblioteca Electrónica Bilingüe de UHD en las familias de Houston y más allá.
La velada comenzó con el Dr. Julio César Canedo Soto, Profesor Asociado de Administración en UHD y Maestro de Ceremonias de la gala. El Dr. Canedo inició mostrando el sitio web de la Biblioteca Electrónica Bilingüe de UHD, destacando su papel como un recurso vital para las familias. Explicó cómo la biblioteca:
Con el sitio web en pantalla, los asistentes pudieron ver de primera mano cómo esta innovadora plataforma conecta a las familias con recursos que inspiran el aprendizaje y el crecimiento.
El Dr. Canedo expresó su reconocimiento a las muchas personas y organizaciones que hacen posible la Biblioteca Electrónica Bilingüe de UHD. Entre los invitados destacados se encontraban profesores, personal y administradores de UHD, líderes de Aldine ISD y miembros de la comunidad. Un reconocimiento especial fue otorgado a las familias de las escuelas Black Elementary y Bussey Elementary, quienes contribuyeron con sus historias originales a la colección de la biblioteca:
Estas historias, bellamente ilustradas por Nereida Gonzaga y Tamsin Ward, mostraron la creatividad y dedicación de las familias participantes.
A lo largo de la noche, destacados oradores compartieron sus reflexiones sobre la importancia de la educación, la comunidad y la colaboración:
La noche alcanzó su punto culminante emocional cuando las familias compartieron sus experiencias con la Biblioteca Electrónica Bilingüe:
Estas historias trajeron a la vida la misión de la gala, demostrando el impacto transformador de la biblioteca en las familias.
Un momento destacado de la gala fue la actuación de Mariachi de Acero de Aldine ISD, cuya música energizó la sala y rindió homenaje a las ricas tradiciones de la cultura hispana. La interpretación de Las Mañanitas añadió un toque personal al celebrar los cumpleaños de dos jóvenes asistentes.
La velada concluyó con un animado baile al ritmo de La Gozadera de Marc Anthony, liderado por familias de cinco escuelas participantes. Esta alegre celebración de la herencia cerró el evento con entusiasmo.
La gala Celebrando Nuestras Raíces Hispanas fue más que una celebración; fue un poderoso recordatorio del impacto de la educación y la cultura en la unión y el empoderamiento de las comunidades. La Biblioteca Electrónica Bilingüe de UHD sigue comprometida con su misión de proporcionar recursos que empoderen a las familias, fomenten la alfabetización y superen brechas en tecnología y educación.
Esta noche inolvidable demostró la profunda diferencia que pueden hacer la colaboración, la creatividad y el compromiso. La Biblioteca Electrónica Bilingüe de UHD espera con entusiasmo continuar su labor de construir futuros más brillantes para las familias en Houston y más allá.
At the UHD Bilingual E-Library, our mission extends beyond providing access to digital resources; it is about empowering families with the skills and tools they need to thrive in a digital world. Over the past few weeks, our team has taken this mission directly to the community by visiting local schools, including Black Elementary and Bussey Elementary School, to offer personalized support to parents as they navigate new technology.
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting both schools, where I provided one-on-one guidance to parents on setting up their Chromebooks and creating secure digital environments for their children. During these sessions, we covered essential steps:
Chromebook Setup: From unboxing to initial configuration, parents received hands-on support to ensure they understood every aspect of using the devices.
Creating Email Accounts: I assisted parents in setting up their own email accounts, which serve as vital communication tools for engaging with the school and accessing educational resources.
Setting Up Child Email Accounts: We guided parents through creating Google accounts for their children, allowing them to safely access educational content while being monitored.
Establishing Parental Controls with Google Family Link: We also focused on parental controls, utilizing Google Family Link to manage their child’s screen time, app usage, and browsing activity. This tool is instrumental in fostering a safe and educational digital experience.
The one-on-one sessions provided parents with personalized assistance, making the experience more approachable and effective. It was heartening to witness their enthusiasm as they learned new skills that would not only benefit their children but also help them gain confidence in using technology.
I was fortunate to have the dedicated support of our writing managers, Ms. Shely Rodríguez and Ms. Marina Villarino, who are assigned to Black and Bussey Elementary Schools, respectively. Their presence and assistance were invaluable, as they helped facilitate communication and ensure that parents understood every step of the process.
The UHD Bilingual E-Library continues to be a vital resource for Hispanic families, offering not just e-books, but practical tools and support to navigate today’s digital landscape. By teaching families how to set up and manage digital devices, we are laying the foundation for future success—both academically and personally.
We look forward to expanding these efforts to more schools and engaging with even more families. Together, we are creating a brighter, more connected future for our community.
At the heart of our mission is the transformative power of literacy and entrepreneurship within Hispanic communities. The Bilingual E-Library at Black Elementary School, one of seven elementary schools across Houston chosen to participate in this program, in collaboration with Aldine ISD and the University of Houston Downtown (UHD), is changing lives by improving reading comprehension, bringing families closer together, and empowering future entrepreneurs.
The project is led by Dr. Maria Bhattacharjee, Director of the Bilingual E-Library, whose vision and dedication have been central to its success. Under her leadership, the library has grown into a vital resource for Hispanic families, offering access to a wide range of books in both English and Spanish, and helping families develop the literacy and technology skills they need for academic and professional success.
Reading is a gateway to new opportunities, and the Bilingual E-Library is helping families in Houston access a vast collection of books. Families shared how reading together has not only enhanced their children's education but also strengthened family bonds.
During the event, Dr. Deborah Bordelon, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at UHD, highlighted how the Bilingual E-Library is making a significant impact on both families and students. She emphasized how crucial the project is for shaping the future of education, ensuring that students are equipped with the literacy and technological skills necessary for success.
Parents shared their personal experiences, highlighting how the library’s resources have improved their children's reading skills and brought their families closer together. Through the guidance of the library and its resources, families have made reading a shared experience, enriching their homes.
The Bilingual E-Library’s YouTube channel acts as a global classroom, teaching essential skills in literacy and technology. By equipping families with these tools, the library prepares them for a modern, connected workforce.
At the event, Dr. Jon Gant, Director of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI), expressed his support for the library's mission. His work with the Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program aligns closely with the library's efforts to bring digital equity and opportunity to underserved communities.
The story of Nadia Pérez, featured in the video, is one of many examples of how the Bilingual E-Library is helping Hispanic families pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Supported by a grant from the Department of Commerce, Nadia turned her love for cooking into a career path, gaining skills that will help her succeed in the professional world.
https://youtu.be/yocMW4r1EUs?si=2b4hqpMK5kvXpzau
This video and our ongoing efforts are part of a larger mission to empower families through literacy and entrepreneurship. By continuing to share these stories and develop our YouTube channel as a global learning platform, we are making a lasting impact in the Hispanic community.
We invite more families to join us and take full advantage of the resources the Bilingual E-Library offers. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all.
On September 26, 2024, Black Elementary School hosted a special community event celebrating the significant progress of the Bilingual E-Library from the University of Houston Downtown (UHD), in collaboration with Aldine ISD. The event brought together families, educators, and community leaders, all focused on promoting bilingual literacy and providing access to digital resources that are changing lives.
The Bilingual E-Library empowers families to embrace literacy and technology, giving them the tools to create brighter futures for themselves and their children." — Dr. María Bhattacharjee
Dr. María Bhattacharjee, Director of the UHD Bilingual E-Library and the event’s Master of Ceremonies, warmly welcomed the attendees and shared the vision of the project. She enthusiastically explained how this initiative has been a vital resource for Hispanic families in Houston, providing access to an extensive collection of e-books in both English and Spanish.
The project not only improves reading skills but also teaches technological competencies, preparing students and parents for a more connected future.
Dr. Diane M. Miller, representing UHD’s College of Public Service, delivered an inspiring speech about the impact of the program. She highlighted how the Bilingual E-Library has strengthened the sense of community and transformed bilingual learning, helping families feel more connected to their children's education.
Although Dr. Poonam Gulati could not attend the event, she sent a heartfelt video message, praising the library's incredible growth and its ability to open new educational opportunities.
During the event, special recognition was given to the 31 families that actively participated in the program. Sheyla Rodríguez, Reading Manager of the UHD Bilingual E-Library, shared an emotional story of how one mother used the library’s resources to teach her children to read in both languages. This example demonstrated the power of bilingual literacy in the home and how it is changing lives.
Aida Ulloa, Technology Manager of the UHD Bilingual E-Library, promoted the library’s YouTube channel, which offers live classes from Monday to Thursday. This channel provides families with continuous access to educational materials and learning opportunities from anywhere, encouraging ongoing participation.
The event concluded with the exciting announcement that Chromebooks would be distributed to participating families, facilitating access to the Bilingual E-Library and reinforcing the commitment to digital inclusion. Attendees also enjoyed a showcase of stories created by students, reflecting the creativity and effort inspired by this project.
Finally, Dr. María Bhattacharjee invited more families to enroll in the Bilingual E-Library and take advantage of all the available resources. With their support and participation, the future of bilingual education in Houston remains promising.
Ten-year-old Miguel Huerta struggled to enjoy reading before he and his mother discovered University of Houston Downtown’s bilingual e-library, an online collection of books available in both Spanish and English.
Math is still his main interest — the fourth-grader has his own YouTube channel where he teaches the subject to other kids — but reading became more fun when he started advancing his dual-language skills on the computer. He now gravitates toward fantasy and action stories.
“It makes it more interesting,” Huerta said.
Huerta is one of dozens of Aldine ISD students helping to grow UH Downtown’s e-library, which works to improve literacy and technology skills for Hispanic families in Houston. Patrons have been able to use the library cost-free at home since it launched around 2010, but a new partnership fueled by a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Commerce grant also allows Aldine parents to go to school once a week and help their children write their own stories for the collection.
Huerta and his mother, Maria Alvarez, will be published authors through the program — they wrote a book called “The Blue Dream,” or “El Sueño Azul,” based on the time Huerta learned he was going to have a baby brother. Like every book in the library, it is written in both Spanish and English, a process that Alvarez said has helped her son round out his academics.
“Literacy is so important. It’s important in everything and it’s really what’s going to connect him to his goals,” she said, via a translator. “He has a lot of potential.”
The collaboration is part of a larger two-year effort to expand the e-library and make it used worldwide. The new partnership is meant to benefit students and their parents, reinforcing the importance of Spanish literacy while also advancing English and technology aptitudes that are important for attaining jobs in the Houston workforce, said Marisol Vazquez, community engagement manager at UHD.
University officials hope the e-library will contribute to the city of Houston’s plan to increase residents' literacy skills by one level — an achievement which would add $13 billion to Harris County’s economy, according to the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.
Aldine ISD has the right demographic for the partnership, with parents who are eager to participate, district officials said. More than 47% of students there are emergent bilingual and English learners.
“For me, it’s deeper than just writing a story,” said Georgina Foroi, executive director of the district’s Family and Community Engagement Department. “At this point we’re not only transforming a student, but we’re transforming the whole child, socially and emotionally. And also the parent, they’re breaking barriers.”
Emerita Munguia said her own English skills have improved since helping her daughter with the program during weekly meetings at Black Elementary in Aldine. She recently declined a promotion at her job because she didn’t feel she had enough knowledge in English and technology, but she said she hopes her work on the e-library can help her advance in her career.
Her daughter is similarly making progress, and she breezed through reading exercises in English and Spanish as they worked on their e-book one afternoon in December.
Once their book is published, it will be added to the e-library’s roughly 350 books. Many of those were previously written by college students at the Hispanic-serving institution, said project director and co-founder Maria Bhattacharjee.
Families at Aldine ISD’s Black and Bussey elementary schools are taking over some of the writing through the university partnership. About 240 families are expected to participate over two years, with groups alternating each semester. Officials also plan for the program to reach a wider audience, with an expansion to other Aldine schools, community engagement events in the district and a YouTube channel that will give broader access across the U.S. and world.
“I believe learning to read and write is a human right,” Bhattacharjee said. “This is a country of opportunity, but you have to know how.”
Aldine ISD’s Mariachi Acero and Ballet Folklórico Ketzally were on hand in Room A300 on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, setting a lively and festive tone for a morning program celebrating UHD’s major literacy initiative: the UHD Bilingual E-Library.
Many of the Aldine ISD families participating in the program were in attendance alongside Program Director Dr. Maria Bhattacharjee, UHD President Loren J. Blanchard, UHD Provost Deborah E. Bordelon, and Aldine ISD Superintendent LaTonya M. Goffney.
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development,
an essential complement to investments in roads, dams, clinics, and factories.”
— Kofi Annan, Nobel Peace Prize Recipient
The continuation of the Bilingual E-Library to improve the connectivity and literacy of Houston’s Hispanic community was made possible by the work of Drs. Maria Bhattacharjee and Irene Chen and a two-year, $2.5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce received earlier this year.
The benefits of the UHD Bilingual E-Library include:
College of Public Service Dean Jonathon Schwartz emceed the event, with Provost Bordelon welcoming the crowd. “As part of every child’s right to education, literacy improves lives by expanding capabilities and, in turn, reduces poverty, increases participation in the workforce, and has positive effects on health and sustainable development,” said Bordelon. She shared that a recent report shows that Harris County’s economy could grow by $13 billion if adults with low literacy could increase their literacy skills by even one level. “We are delighted to partner with Aldine ISD on tackling this issue and, most of all, sharing the joy of storytelling and reading with your students and families,” Bordelon said.
“At $2.5 million, the bilingual e-library expansion and upgrade grant is one of the largest active grants in our College of Public Service,” stated UHD President Loren J. Blanchard. “When it comes to collaboration, partnerships, and community outreach, the Department of Urban Education is a model example.”
“UHD’s Bilingual Education Program is one of the largest producers of bilingual teachers in the Houston area,” continued Blanchard. In addition to the grant for the Bilingual E-Library, Dr. Elizabeth Stackhouse and Dr. Ron Beebe received a U.S. Department of Education Title V Grant for $2.5 million over five years to support training and wraparound services for pre-service teachers seeking certifications in critical areas of need, such as bilingual and ESL education.
“As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, our commitment to bilingual and ESL education is an extension of our commitment to our students and the communities they call home,” said Blanchard. In turn, UHD acts as an anchor for those communities and as an anchor institution for Houston. UHD has set its sights on improving literacy, having an impact on workforce development and socioeconomic mobility for the entire region.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
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By Marie Jacinto
What’s not to love about a project to improve literacy and connectivity for Houston’s Hispanic community that involves children, parents, PTOs/PTAs, in-service bilingual/ESL teachers, and UHD pre-service teachers and students in other areas of study?
This two-year project to expand the UHD bilingual e-library is the brainchild of Dr. Irene Chen, Professor of Education in the Department of Urban Education in UHD’s College of Public Service, and Dr. Maria Bhattacharjee, a former UHD Associate Professor of Education. They recently received notice from the U.S. Department of Commerce that their project proposal was awarded $2,470,225.
The project promises to have a dramatic impact on workforce development and, ultimately, the local economy, as the City of Houston seeks to increase the literacy skills of Houstonians by one level. The benefits of this project will extend beyond Houston, since access to the bilingual e-library will be available worldwide.
“During the development of our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan: A New Paradigm, we set our sights on becoming an Anchor Institution for the region,” stated President Blanchard. “This project epitomizes what it means for UHD to be an anchor for the city—not only through an accessible, online library specifically targeting Houston’s Latino community, but also as a resource and workforce development tool to grow the local economy significantly.”
According to Houston’s Adult Literacy Blueprint Executive Summary Report, published by the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy in partnership with Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, the City of Houston’s economic growth is linked to literacy achievement. The report stated, “Harris County’s economy could grow by $13 billion if adults with low literacy could increase their literacy skills by even one level.” According to the same report, connectivity is another challenge Houstonians need to address. “In Houston, about 142,650 households do not have a computer at home and almost twice that amount, about 267,250 households, do not have broadband internet access.”
The Project
Ten UHD bilingual students and two reading specialists will assist 240 Hispanic families in writing culturally meaningful stories over the two years of the project. These stories will be part of the UHD-upgraded bilingual e-library. Through this interaction, Hispanic families will learn to use the e-library for self-teaching as well as reading and writing with their children at home.
“Teachers in the UHD anchor community also play an essential role in preparing Hispanic individuals for the job market in Houston,” stated Chen. “Therefore, it is crucial to support teachers, too. UHD pre-service teachers and in-service bilingual/ESL teachers at seven elementary schools with high Hispanic enrollment will have the opportunity to participate in the training of reading comprehension strategies using the e-library.”
Furthermore, the plan is to mobilize the Hispanic community by involving the Parent Teacher Organization/Association representatives from each of the seven campuses. They will visit UHD monthly to learn how to prepare their students to complete a bachelor’s degree at UHD and how to use the e-library to support the development of literacy skills. There will be opportunities for all parents at these schools to attend the meetings virtually. Also, 19 students from different programs, such as Urban Education, Communication, and Technology, will work together to create a community of learners that link Hispanic families and pre-service and in-service teachers to the e-library and each other.
“The expectation is that as Hispanic families use the e-library, they will increase their literacy skills levels and abilities to self-teach using technology,” stated Bhattacharjee. “These skill sets, in turn, will increase the number of Hispanic individuals prepared to enter the labor market in Houston.”
About the University of Houston-DowntownThe University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
By Marie Jacinto
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