For more than three decades, La Salle University's Bilingual Undergraduate Studies for Collegiate Advancement (BUSCA) Program has opened doors to higher education for Spanish-speaking students throughout the greater Philadelphia region. Founded in 1993, BUSCA was created to address a critical need: providing a meaningful, inclusive, and supportive college pathway for students whose talents, aspirations, and potential often face challenges and roadblocks as they develop their English-language skills.  

 Originally offered as an evening associate degree taught entirely in Spanish, BUSCA adapted to the changing needs of Philadelphia’s Hispanic community, as students increasingly sought opportunities to continue their studies in bachelor's degree programs. Recognizing that academic English proficiency was essential for long-term success, the program transformed into a bilingual model that supports students in strengthening their English skills while earning college credits that count toward their academic goals.

Thus, at the heart of BUSCA is an innovative educational model that differs significantly from traditional remedial approaches. Rather than delaying students' progress through non-credit developmental coursework, BUSCA immerses students in credit-bearing college classes from the start. 

Today, BUSCA is a four-semester Associate of Arts degree program designed specifically for Spanish-dominant students who are ready for college-level work but may benefit from additional linguistic and academic support. The program's mission is to empower students to transform their futures through education while developing the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to succeed in college, the workforce, and their communities.

Students complete coursework in disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, literature, mathematics, computer science, biology, religion, and political science while simultaneously strengthening their English-language proficiency. This approach allows students to develop academic skills and language skills together, creating a more meaningful and effective pathway into higher education.

The program also recognizes that bilingualism is an asset. While students complete the vast majority of their coursework in English, they also take three courses in Spanish that reinforce academic concepts and strengthen professional communication skills. As a result, graduates emerge with greater confidence in both languages and are better prepared to contribute to an increasingly multilingual workforce and society.

BUSCA's commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. Many participants are first-generation college students, people who have recently arrived in the United States, and students balancing multiple responsibilities, including work and childcare. To help address these challenges, the program provides extensive bilingual support services. Admissions materials are available in English and Spanish, and bilingual staff guides students through the enrollment process, financial aid paperwork, academic planning, and personal development. Students also benefit from mentoring opportunities, tutoring services, and a supportive learning community that understands their unique experiences. 

Affordability remains a central part of BUSCA's mission. La Salle University has worked to minimize barriers to attendance by helping students maximize available financial aid and scholarship opportunities, making BUSCA tuition free for students who are eligible for the federal Pell and Pennsylvania state grants. The program also takes advantage of open educational resources whenever possible to reduce textbook costs and make college more accessible.

The impact of these efforts can be seen in the program's outcomes. Since its founding, the program has graduated more than 725 students and has consistently achieved graduation rates that significantly exceed national benchmarks for Latino students pursuing associate degrees. About 66 to 75 percent of the graduates each year continue on to bachelor's degree programs, many at La Salle University.

The success of BUSCA is reflected not only in its positive graduation and transfer rates, but also in the accomplishments of its alumni.  Current students are inspired each year as former BUSCA graduates walk across the commencement stage while earning bachelor’s degrees from the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, and School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Alumna Albania Luciano-Wilmo, AA ’18, BSW ’21, who went on to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, credits BUSCA with expanding her vision of  what was possible. 

“I arrived with one goal, to improve my English, but I left with a transformed mindset and much greater vision of what I could accomplish,” she said.

Likewise, Roddney Campbell, AA ’20, BA ’23, now working in law enforcement after completing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at La Salle, describes BUSCA as “a family,” where students are supported, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.

Looking toward the future, BUSCA continues to explore innovative ways to expand educational access for multilingual learners. In 2023, the program received a Spotlight on Humanities in Higher Education grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to pilot a semester-long bridge program designed for students with novice-level English proficiency who may not yet be ready to enter BUSCA directly. Drawing on data and insights from this initiative, the program is evaluating opportunities to establish a permanent pathway into BUSCA while also exploring additional options to serve students more effectively. These efforts include investigating daytime program offerings and considering ways to extend support to English Language Learners from linguistic backgrounds beyond Spanish, further advancing BUSCA’s mission of creating inclusive pathways to higher education.

Beyond its academic achievements, BUSCA embodies La Salle University's commitment to educational opportunity, inclusion, and community engagement. By combining rigorous academics, bilingual language development, and comprehensive student support, the program helps students discover their voices, strengthen their confidence, and prepare for lives of leadership and service.

About the author

Joanne Woods is Director of the BUSCA Program at La Salle University. Since 2013, she has led initiatives to expand higher education access for multilingual learners. She holds master's degrees in education and Bilingual/Bicultural Studies and specializes in  designing culturally relevant curricula for English Learners.