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The 85th National Convention Addresses Attaining Educational Equity

July 11, 2014

Contact: Jossie Flor Sapunar

NEW YORK CITY – Today, at the LULAC 85th Annual National Convention, LULAC expanded its education imprint with partners Ford Motor Company and Time Warner Cable.

LULAC and the Ford Motor Company Fund presented the 10 Ford Driving Dreams Through Education grant winners to the following LULAC Councils:

Anaheim, CA LULAC Council #2848; Atlanta, GA LULAC Council #950; South Bend, IN LULAC Council #5001; Milwaukee, WI LULAC Council #334; Chicago, IL LULAC Council #5284 – LNESC; South Jordan, UT LULAC Council #44040; Chicago, IL LULAC Council #5238; Houston, TX LULAC Council #4968 – LNESC; Queens, NY LULAC Council #23047; Silver Spring, MD LULAC Council #21006

Ford Motor Company Fund and LULAC National have supported LULAC Councils and the communities they serve to design and implement localized solutions that address a critical need. What makes this program unique is that it gives LULAC Councils the flexibility to design programs/curriculum that take into account their respective education issues, resources, and support systems in their communities. LULAC Councils create top notch programs that help stimulate academic achievement and high school completion all around the United States.

Joedis Avila, community outreach manager, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, presented the grants to the Council representatives including Gabriel from Queens, New York LULAC Council #23047.

“LULAC believes every child deserves access to a high quality education in order to be motivated and to have a firm foundation in our society,” said LULAC Executive Director Brent Wilkes. “We are grateful for the longstanding partnerships with Ford Motor Company and Time Warner Cable, two entities that share our values of nurturing our youth.”

Time Warner Cable has been collaborating with LULAC to study the effects of science and technology among Latinos. A new white paper, based on the research, was highlighted today at the conference.

“Leaders in education and industry have long emphasized the need for high school graduates to have improved knowledge and skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),” said LULAC’s Director of Policy, Luis Torres about the research. “Given the immense impact of STEM fields on both the domestic job market and the global economy in the 21st century, STEM preparation will be critical to successful academic careers and further professional development, allowing well prepared students the skills needed to pursue careers in cutting-edge fields.”

The paper also highlights recommendations for improving access for the Latino community to STEM preparation and resources, with a particular emphasis on community engagement.

“Since 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has worked to expand educational opportunities for Latinos,” added Wilkes. “As we celebrate the 85th anniversary of our organization’s founding, LULAC remains committed to continuing that work.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.

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