La Alianza Hispana Empowers Latinos Through Technology
AT&T Foundation awards grant to League of United Latin American Citizens that funds Latino organization's new community technology center
For more information contact:
Josiane Martínez, La Alianza Hispana, 857-222-0800
Lizette Jenness Olmos, LULAC, 202-365-4553
Regla González, LULAC, 617-710-9088
Boston. (Oct. 14, 2008) — La Alianza Hispana, a Boston Latino family-support services organization announced today the opening of its new community technology center. The organization's clients will have instruction and access to technology to help with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, educational opportunities, job searches and online citizenship services.
"The community technology center supports the work La Alianza is doing in the community," said Janet Collazo, Executive Director, La Alianza hispana, Inc. "It connects Latinos with technology, and expands their resources."
La Alianza Hispana’s technology center is just one of 32 new community technology centers that have been opened nationwide in low-income Hispanic communities through the League of United Latin American Citizens' (LULAC) Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative. LULAC, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs. The new community technology centers are being supported by a $1.5 million grant made by the AT&T Foundation -- the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) -- to LULAC. La Alianza Hispana, through its participation in LULAC's Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative was awarded $25,000 to provide its center with computer equipment, office software, high-speed Internet access, video-conferencing equipment, technology curriculum, support, and instruction for its clients.
"LULAC is proud to partner with the AT&T Foundation and La Alianza Hispana to deliver high speed technology services to Latinos through our 56 community technology centers," said LULAC National Vice President for Women, Regla Gónzalez. "The Hispanic community has an unprecedented opportunity to receive high-speed Internet access, computer equipment and basic office applications software to develop job skills, research career options, educational opportunities and other resources. We are excited about launching a new teleconference service in the 56 locations in addition to providing the technology we already have."
Clients served by the community technology centers are low-income and/or first-generation Hispanic-American youth and adults. While a higher percentage of Hispanics are employed compared with any other ethnic group (64 percent employment rate versus 63 percent for the next highest, Current Population Survey, April 2006), Hispanics are far more likely than the average American to be among the working poor. In addition, according to a new study by Pew Hispanic Center, 53 percent of Hispanics who are not online indicate this is because they do not have access. Empower Hispanic America with Technology is aimed at combating these inequities by giving Hispanics the necessary skills and access to compete in today's technology-driven workplaces.
"The computers help me look for a job and to gain confidence in technology," said Maria Fuentes, one of La Alianza Hispana’s clients. "Muchas Gracias. Thank you."
AT&T and the AT&T Foundation support efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide, particularly initiatives with an emphasis on education and technology and those that benefit underserved populations. Since 1996, the AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $40 million in grants to organizations serving Hispanic communities across the country.
"People need telecommunications technology to compete in today's workforce, to excel academically, and to have access to information," said J. Michael Schweder, President, AT&T Mid-Atlantic Region. "We are proud to support programs that improve people's lives and we are committed to extending the benefits of technology to everyone."
About La Alianza Hispana
La Alianza Hispana (The Hispanic Alliance), founded in 1970, is a community based, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Latino self-determination, advocating for equal access to basic services, and combating the effects of poverty, discrimination and the stress of migration. La Alianza Hispana provides linguistically and culturally appropriate services that range from education, public health, workforce development and youth and family services. Over 2,000 people are served each year at La Alianza Hispana’s Dudley Street and Mission Hill sites. La Alianza’s program and services include:
• Latino Family Counseling Center & Public Health Programs serving 200 families • Adult Day Health & Senior Center serving 200 Latino seniors and people with disabilities • ESOL Adult Basic Education & Workforce Development Programs serving 120 adults • Club Latino After School Program serving 30 youth For more information please visit our website at www.laalianza.org or contact Josiane Martinez (617) 427-7175 ext. 230.
About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (www.lulac.org) is the oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advancing the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.
About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2006, AT&T contributed more than $101 million through corporate-, employee-, and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc., combine more than $1.8 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.