The yearly crowdfunding campaign for the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) at Fresno State is crucial in connecting the local and global Portuguese-speaking communities to the university, strengthening the cultural and academic ties essential for preserving Portuguese heritage. The funding supports numerous programs highlighting the Portuguese language and culture richness, creating avenues for students, faculty, and community members to engage in meaningful cultural experiences and academic endeavors. By investing in initiatives such as the Oral History Project and the Untold Stories documentary system, PBBI provides valuable resources to document the histories and personal narratives of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants, ensuring these stories are preserved and shared for future generations.

One of the institute’s hallmark programs, the student exchange initiative, allows students to immerse themselves in Portuguese-speaking regions, broadening their cultural perspectives and language proficiency. Additionally, the speaker and conference series and the High School Portuguese Language Youth Day are integral to exposing students and the community to a diverse array of Portuguese speakers, writers, and scholars. These gatherings promote exchanging ideas and help inspire young individuals to pursue Portuguese language and culture studies. Bruma Publications, which includes platforms like Novidade and Filamentos, adds another dimension to this cultural outreach, publishing works that enrich the academic and artistic knowledge available to Fresno State students and the broader public.

A vital aspect of the PBBI crowdfunding also lies in its support for zero-cost Portuguese language and cultural classes, designed to increase enrollment and make language studies accessible to all students. By removing financial barriers, PBBI encourages more students to explore Portuguese language and cultural studies, fostering a new generation of Portuguese-speaking professionals and enthusiasts. Programs like the Cagarro Colloquium and community outreach initiatives bring together experts, students, and the community to discuss pressing cultural and environmental issues relevant to Portuguese-speaking regions, further enhancing the institute’s role as a bridge between academia and community life.

Finally, through partnerships such as the Azores Diaspora Media Alliance, Olhos nos Livros (Eyes on Books), and joint research with other universities and cultural institutions, PBBI extends its impact beyond Fresno State, promoting Portuguese studies and cultural awareness on a global scale. The yearly crowdfunding effort is thus indispensable for sustaining and expanding these initiatives, allowing PBBI to continue building connections, supporting educational opportunities, and celebrating Portuguese culture in a way that resonates deeply with students, faculty, and the Portuguese community locally and worldwide.

Please consider contributing. Every donation is essential to us.