Friends, community, and learning are three values you’ll find when you step into Chicano College Bowl. CBB is an activity for LatinX students to learn about Latin American history and the contributions of Hispanic people to their country. At the end of the year, there is a competition among schools for students to test the knowledge they have acquired. 

The competition, however, is not the only event students and teachers look forward to during the year. Two Pachangas (parties) are held at different times leading up to the competition. At these events, students can meet competitors from other schools and interact in a non-competitive environment, fostering social connections. The location of the pachangas changes every year, allowing different competing high schools a chance to host. 

“We’re kind of excited and worried at the same time because this year it’s our turn to host the second pachanga,” CBB sponsor Alejantra Arteaga said. “At least 15 schools are participating, and they’re suburban schools from the area…where LatinX students seem to be a very small percentage.” 

CBB is a safe space for LatinX students where they don’t have to feel like a minority, and are surrounded by others who share similar interests and cultures. It also provides a chance to learn about their history or others around them. 

For students who are committed, at the end of the year, they receive a cord to show their dedication. There are also chances for seniors to gain a scholarship. Last year, two students were awarded a $500 scholarship each. 

For Arteaga, CCB is more than an afterschool club she just happens to sponsor. After sponsoring the LatinX club for over 20 years, one day she overheard someone mention CCB, a program she had previously had no knowledge of. 

“We attended one year, and I fell in love with it,” Ms. Arteaga said. “The students did too…it’s the feeling of being in a space where the kids are not a small group anymore and seeing them connect. Finding that there’s another person from Colombia and there’s another person from Honduras isn’t something that happens that often. The kids like it, and the fact that they’re passionate about something that I’m passionate about [LatinX history], is very rewarding.” 

For any students interested in joining the Chicano College Bowl team, know that it is a year-long commitment that takes a lot of dedication. Meetings are every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30. For students who do have a conflict but would still like to join, talk to Ms. Arteaga