Lead Investigator/Co-Investigators: Rosalie Corona, Ph.D.

Background: The growing diversity in the U.S. highlights the need for more studies on interethnic and interracial interactions and relationships among youth. This is especially relevant in Richmond, VA given the rapid growth of the Latino population. In fact, between 1990 and 2000, the Latino population in the greater Richmond area increased by 202% (Bon Secours Richmond Health System, 2003). According to the US Census Bureau there were approximately 20,000 living in the greater Richmond area and 327,000 living in Virginia in 2000. The majority of these Latinos are immigrants suggesting that these numbers may underestimate the actual number of Latinos in Richmond and the surrounding areas since it is highly likely that a substantial number of undocumented Latinos did not figure into this estimate. Given this rapid growth, it is imperative that we understand how interethnic and interracial interactions and relationships are forming.