The University program is designed to help students improve their English language skills while earning credits at La Salle toward an associate degree.

A transformative program at La Salle University is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

The Bilingual Undergraduate Studies for Collegiate Advancement (BUSCA) program is a four-semester associate of arts degree for bilingual students to get a start toward their postsecondary education. The students in the program are supported by faculty and staff in developing their foundational knowledge, improving their academic and language skills, deepening their intellectual curiosity, and increasing their self-confidence. Classes are offered at night and BUSCA graduates can transfer their credits toward a bachelor’s degree at La Salle.

Founded by Leonard Brownstein, Ph.D., with support from the late Brother Miguel Campos, FSC, the program was a first for the Philadelphia area and one of only a few across the nation at the time of its inception.

The BUSCA of today has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of La Salle’s students from what was launched in the 1993-94 academic year.

Today, the program teaches its core classes primarily in English to strengthen students’ language reading and writing skills. It’s also focused on building a course transcript that can be easily transferred to a bachelor’s degree at La Salle.

“We want them to be bilingual professionals and leaders in the community,” Joanne Woods, M.A. ’14, La Salle’s BUSCA program director, said.

Lina Maria Lopez, ’20, is a BUSCA graduate who moved onto receive a business administration degree from La Salle. Originally from Colombia, Lopez said the BUSCA program helped introduce her to the American education system.

“BUSCA meets you halfway,” she said.

The foundation provided by BUSCA helped her find success in the School of Business. Today, she works as a program director for a home healthcare agency.

Auri Rodriguez, ‘26, completed the BUSCA program and moved onto the School of Nursing and Health Sciences’ ACHIEVE BSN program. This nursing program gives students the flexibility they need by offering courses on nights and weekends.

As a first-generation college student, Rodriguez found support through the BUSCA faculty and staff who helped guide her.

“I liked how La Salle supported its students,” she said.

Not only did the program help improve her English language reading and writing skills, but it helped build Rodriguez’s self-confidence. She said she has less nerves when presenting, writing, and coordinating things in English than before.

Now in the nursing program at La Salle, Rodriguez is excited to complete her studies and enter the workforce.

“What I wanted to do in life was help others,” she said.

Roddney Campbell, ’23, is very familiar with BUSCA as he, his brother Brandon, and his sister Kelshira all graduated from the program. After completing his criminal justice degree, Campbell entered the Academy for Parole and Probation to become an agent.

He said enrolling at La Salle was the right decision as he felt supported and prepared to enter the workforce.

“Don’t be afraid to take the opportunity of learning and improving your English, the program provides a lot of support,” he said.

—Meg Ryan, M.A. ’24