Generation One: A KERA American Graduate Project

Series produced by KERA

Series image

In Texas, one in three children has a parent who's an immigrant -- or they're immigrants themselves. They have to learn a new language, adapt to a different culture and try to fit into a community that may not embrace newcomers. KERA's Stella M. Chavez follows these first-generation Texans and the educators weaving them into the American tapestry. It's all part of KERA's American Graduate initiative.The series includes a one-hour radio special with Ms. Chavez, hosted by KERA's Krys Boyd.

In Texas, one in three children has a parent who's an immigrant -- or they're immigrants themselves. They have to learn a new language, adapt to a different culture and try to fit into a community that may not embrace newcomers. KERA's Stella M. Chavez follows these first-generation Texans and the educators weaving them into the American tapestry. It's all part of KERA's American Graduate initiative.The series includes a one-hour radio special with Ms. Chavez, hosted by KERA's Krys Boyd.


10 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Caption: David Kapuku
David Kapuku enrolled at Conrad High School two weeks after arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2013. He and his siblings say those f...

  • Added: Nov 24, 2014
  • Length: 04:59
Caption: Brandy Salmeron and her dad
Immigration is transforming Texas and its big city suburbs. Take the Grapevine-Colleyville school district, which in the last decade has seen its o...

  • Added: Nov 24, 2014
  • Length: 05:03
Piece image
Generation One, part of KERA's American Graduate initiative, looks at the challenges faced by immigrant children. This hour, Krys Boyd talks to a p...

  • Added: Dec 01, 2014
  • Length: 48:36
Caption: Dilcia M Asencio Mazariegos, Credit: Christina Ulsh/KERA News
Dilcia M Ascencio Mazariegos can relate to many of the Central American kids coming to Texas. In her case, she wasn't escaping gang violence. The b...

Bought by WAMC Northeast Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 03, 2014
  • Length: 04:55
  • Purchases: 1
Caption: Julian Vasquez Heilig, Credit: Courtesy photo
Julian Vasquez Heilig has spent years studying how schools educate immigrants. He's a professor at California State University, Sacramento. He prev...

  • Added: Apr 17, 2015
  • Length: 03:22
Caption: Brianna, a student in Martin's class, Credit: Mark Birnbaum
In recent decades, demographic changes have transformed school districts in North Texas. Schools have also transformed the way they teach English -...

  • Added: Apr 17, 2015
  • Length: 05:22
Caption: Niuying Cao and other students from the International Leadership School of Texas, Credit: Christina Ulsh
A decade ago, about 600 Chinese students attended high school in the United States. Today, there are more than 38,000. For many, this is their firs...

  • Added: Apr 17, 2015
  • Length: 05:47
Caption: Students at the Newcomer Academy in Fort Worth ISD, Credit: Christina Ulsh
There's an innovative school in Fort Worth school district with about 500 students. Not one of them has been in the U.S. more than a year or two. I...

  • Added: Apr 17, 2015
  • Length: 05:10
Caption: Irum Ali walks the halls of Liberty High in Frisco ISD, Credit: Mark Birnbaum
Growing up in a traditional immigrant family can be rewarding and challenging for kids born in the United States. Meet a Frisco high school student...

  • Added: Apr 17, 2015
  • Length: 05:24
Caption: KERA's Stella M. Chavez
KERA's Krys Boyd and Stella Chavez sit down for a one-hour radio special that features stories from the American Graduate: Generation One series.

  • Added: Apr 20, 2015
  • Length: 53:35