Cafecito + Charla expands reach of Spanish-language content
The Springdale Public Schools Communications Office formalized a partnership April 4 with Arkansas Telemundo, Univision and La Poderosa broadcast affiliates.
“This partnership extends the reach of Cafecito + Charla to a statewide Spanish-speaking audience,” said John Steele Cooper, Springdale Public Schools assistant communications director.
Cafecito + Charla, Coffee and Chat in English, is a weekly video program that produces informative and educational videos for families and students in Spanish. The program was established in 2021 by Maribel Tapia of Springdale Schools, who is also the show’s producer, director and host. Tapia draws her inspiration and passion for equity in education from her immigrant parents and out of her personal experiences as a first-generation English language learner.
“I feel proud to have the opportunity to work closely with Univision, Telemundo and La Poderosa,” Tapia said. “Our collaboration speaks to the passion we have for supporting our Spanish-speaking community and strengthening the connection between schools, families and the community.”
The district Communications Office will provide the three Spanish-language broadcast stations with seven-minute episodes of Cafecito + Charla and a Springdale Public Schools commercial to share valuable information with their audiences.
“Through this partnership, Cafecito + Charla will reach Spanish-speaking families across the state of Arkansas,” Tapia said. “That means that more community members will benefit from the information and resources provided through Cafecito + Charla.”
A significant number of Springdale students speak English as a second language, which adds special value to a program designed to intentionally reach the Spanish-speaking population, Steele Cooper said.
Springdale Schools has about 12,450 students, 57% of enrolled students, with a multilingual background. Of that number, 7,438, 34%, are currently being served for English language development. The remaining, 5,011, 23%, have a multilingual background, but are fully proficient in English and are not receiving English as a Second Language services through the district.
Arkansas has a Hispanic or Latino population of 8.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Telemundo will share Springdale Schools’ content Saturdays at 10 p.m., Sundays at 1:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. and Mondays at 5 p.m. Univision will air Springdale Schools information Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The days and times La Ponderosa on 106.1 FM and 1250 AM will share district content is to be determined, Steele Cooper said. Broadcasts will begin in the summer for all broadcast outlets.
“With this air time, we will be promoting the great things that are happening in our Spanish-speaking community and Springdale schools,” he said.
Cafecito + Charla serves district students, staff and families, as well as the greater Springdale community, Steele Cooper said. The partnership will allow Cafecito + Charla to extend its reach to audiences throughout Northwest Arkansas, Little Rock, Central Arkansas and the River Valley.
Springdale Public Schools is the largest school district in Arkansas with 31 schools serving more than 22,000 students and some 3,000 staff members.
