Zero Improvement for Hispanic Workers: Hispanic Unemployment Rate Unchanged, Significantly Higher Than National Rate
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the government reported that the Hispanic unemployment rate continued to be disproportionately higher than the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Hispanics was 6.7 percent, with 1.3 million Hispanic Americans looking for work -- a 16 percent increase since President Bush took office.
The national unemployment rate was at 5.4 percent; with today's weak job numbers, 1.2 million private-sector jobs have been lost over the last four years. The average length of unemployment is at a 20-year high, and manufacturing jobs have been lost three months in a row remaining at a 54-year low. Americans working hard to provide for their families need good jobs and a growing economy.
"Today's lackluster jobs report makes clear that the economy has not 'turned the corner,' as President Bush claimed during the campaign," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said. "Under Republican leadership, the manufacturing sector has been devastated, wages have not kept pace with inflation, and we have the worst record of job creation since the Great Depression."
"The Latino unemployment rate did not improve and it remains staggeringly higher than the national rate," Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA), member of the House Ways and Means Committee, said. "The policies of this Administration and the Republican Congress ignore the economic realities facing the hard working Latino community, making matters worse for Latinos, and benefiting the very wealthy at the expense of American workers."
"According to the President's spokesman, the Bush Administration is planning an economic summit in two weeks, to 'force' the President to focus on economic issues," Pelosi said. "Instead of using this summit to push the radical Republican plan to cut retirement benefits, or to discuss the merits of exporting American jobs, Republicans should use that time to come up with a real plan to create good paying jobs here at home, control the deficit, and help the middle class achieve financial security. Bipartisan solutions exist. But first, the Republicans must replace economic theory with real-world strategies that focus on job creation."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an additional 1.3 million people fell out of the middle class and into poverty last year, with paychecks flat and household income down. While annual average incomes remained flat, incomes for Hispanics dropped by 2.6 percent, the only group whose incomes fell last year.
House Democrats have always fought on behalf of Hispanic American working families. The Democrat's Hispanic Agenda, Compromiso Democrata con el Pueblo Latino embodies this commitment. The proposals put forth by House Democrats would create 10 million new jobs, would fully fund education programs so that all our children can reach their potential, including migrant and seasonal worker's children. The Democratic commitment to Latino families is the same that produced 20 million new jobs during the 1990s and that has always defended the interests of the Hispanic community, especially during the last four years of insensitive neglect from Congressional Republicans and President Bush.
Source: Office of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
CONTACT: Federico A. de Jesus of the Office of House Democratic Leader
Nancy Pelosi, +1-202-225-0100
Web site: http://democraticleader.house.gov/
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Community News
Event: 2004 CT LATINO LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Date: December 3rd, 2004
Category: CT
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Rita Rivera Ortiz
Program Director
Leadership Greater Hartford
860.951.6161, ext. 15
rivera@leadershipgh.org
400 Connecticut Latino Leaders To Convene for Third Summit Dirigiendo Con Nuevo Ritmo
November 22, 2004 (Hartford, CT)On December 3, Latino leaders from across the State will convene at the Hartford Marriott Hotel in Farmington for the third biennial Connecticut Latino Leadership Summit. Impacto Latino: Leading With New Rhythm, is an outstanding opportunity for learning, networking, and celebrating for emerging and current leaders in the Latino community.
The program features morning and afternoon workshops and keynote addresses from U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and Rossana Rosado, Publisher /CEO of El Diario- La Prensa.
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the day concludes with a reception at 4:00 p.m.
Latino Leadership Development Network, in collaboration with Leadership Greater Hartford, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, The City of Hartford, C.A.L.A.H.E., The Latino & Puerto Rican Affairs Commission, Latina Roundtable, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, SINA, Trinity College and the Hispanic Professional Network, organized the event.
Thanks to key event sponsors The Phoenix, Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, Bank of America, Aetna Foundation, Comcast, and SBM Charitable Foundation, registration is only $75, or $35 for students (18-25) and Senior Citizens (60 plus).
For more information and to register, please visit Leadership Greater Hartfords website at www.leadershipgh.org, or contact Rita Rivera Ortiz, at 951-6161, ext. 15.
Source: www.leadershipgh.org
Event: 2004 CT LATINO LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Date: December 3rd, 2004
Category: CT
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Rita Rivera Ortiz
Program Director
Leadership Greater Hartford
860.951.6161, ext. 15
rivera@leadershipgh.org
400 Connecticut Latino Leaders To Convene for Third Summit Dirigiendo Con Nuevo Ritmo
November 22, 2004 (Hartford, CT)On December 3, Latino leaders from across the State will convene at the Hartford Marriott Hotel in Farmington for the third biennial Connecticut Latino Leadership Summit. Impacto Latino: Leading With New Rhythm, is an outstanding opportunity for learning, networking, and celebrating for emerging and current leaders in the Latino community.
The program features morning and afternoon workshops and keynote addresses from U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and Rossana Rosado, Publisher /CEO of El Diario- La Prensa.
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the day concludes with a reception at 4:00 p.m.
Latino Leadership Development Network, in collaboration with Leadership Greater Hartford, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, The City of Hartford, C.A.L.A.H.E., The Latino & Puerto Rican Affairs Commission, Latina Roundtable, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, SINA, Trinity College and the Hispanic Professional Network, organized the event.
Thanks to key event sponsors The Phoenix, Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, Bank of America, Aetna Foundation, Comcast, and SBM Charitable Foundation, registration is only $75, or $35 for students (18-25) and Senior Citizens (60 plus).
For more information and to register, please visit Leadership Greater Hartfords website at www.leadershipgh.org, or contact Rita Rivera Ortiz, at 951-6161, ext. 15.
Source: www.leadershipgh.org
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Friday, November 26, 2004
REMINDER
Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Holidays!
Please take a moment.
Website: Puerto Rico Sun
URL: http://flickr.com/photos/clarisel/
Encourage users to give your site a rating on www.prosphotos.com. To
have people rate your site, have them go to this URL:
http://www.prosphotos.com/links/rateit.php?LID=2124
Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Holidays!
Please take a moment.
Website: Puerto Rico Sun
URL: http://flickr.com/photos/clarisel/
Encourage users to give your site a rating on www.prosphotos.com. To
have people rate your site, have them go to this URL:
http://www.prosphotos.com/links/rateit.php?LID=2124
Thursday, November 25, 2004
3 Reyes Magos
Have a good Thanksgiving. The Christmas season has begun here in Puerto Rico, so happy holidays to all.
This photo of the Three Kings is by "RicanGeek," a boricua in San Francisco. Check out his work at flickr.
Thank you for your support.
This photo of the Three Kings is by "RicanGeek," a boricua in San Francisco. Check out his work at flickr.
Thank you for your support.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Education Corner
Commentary
Where do we go from here?
By Manuel Hernandez
There has been a lot of talk about the results of the November 2nd elections and the role Latinos played in the general outcome.
According to the founder of The National Hispanic/Latino American And Migrant Agenda Summit, Peter Fontanés, “the victory of President George Bush has resulted in some very interesting developments, and they will certainly impact our communities in ways never before seen.”
I agree and foresee further developments in the days ahead. Notwithstanding all the post-election events and post-electoral debate, I am sure all agree that Latinos made an impact like never before and are now ready to contribute and take their place in American history. But where do we go from here?
Education is the key that unlocks the door to a new world of opportunities here and anywhere in the world. Without education, Latinos merely survive and risk their existence and role. Assessment is a process by which one learns more about oneself -what ones likes, what one does not like, and how one tends to react to certain situations. Knowing these things can help one determine which areas and situations need to be improved. Latinos have been assessed in all areas: crime, immigration, home ownership, business, health and education, just to mention a few.
Education is where we Latinos need to go. The core areas are parent school improvement, not just saying it but providing a sound and solid voice for Latino parents. City and state evaluations must include disaggregated student achievement data, academic objectives for each subgroup and the percentage of students not tested, high school graduation rates and the professional qualifications of teachers.
Education must be visionary and culturally sensitive. Federal involvement is needed in this area by supporting programs and activities that include academic enrichment services, art and music education, math, science and computer literacy tutoring services and mentoring programs. The key Latino role models which may include NBA Latino sports stars, entertainers, young Latino entrepeneurs, rising Latinos in business, education and publishing must be available to come in and reach out to the younger Latino teens in dire need of guidance and support. Additionally, programs that provide after-school activities for limited English-proficient students that emphasize language skills and academic achievement, telecommunications and technology education must be encouraged.
The vision for quality education is a good, engaged, caring and involved parent. Let us take advantage of The No Child Left Behind Act provisions which would help parents of English language learners make informed decisions about their children’s education, such as which program of study is best for helping them learn English and academic course work. There is a plan and it must be placed in action. We are all in awe of the Latino growth and unequivocal influence in all of America's institutions, but we Latinos must put priorities in order. After our loyalty to the Almighty and the Latino family, the education of our present and future generations must be the priority in the days ahead.
Manny Hernandez contributes commentary about education issues to Puerto Rico Sun. Hernandez may be reached at 787-355-0099 or by mail: HC-01, Box 7717, Luquillo, Puerto Rico 00773.
Commentary
Where do we go from here?
By Manuel Hernandez
There has been a lot of talk about the results of the November 2nd elections and the role Latinos played in the general outcome.
According to the founder of The National Hispanic/Latino American And Migrant Agenda Summit, Peter Fontanés, “the victory of President George Bush has resulted in some very interesting developments, and they will certainly impact our communities in ways never before seen.”
I agree and foresee further developments in the days ahead. Notwithstanding all the post-election events and post-electoral debate, I am sure all agree that Latinos made an impact like never before and are now ready to contribute and take their place in American history. But where do we go from here?
Education is the key that unlocks the door to a new world of opportunities here and anywhere in the world. Without education, Latinos merely survive and risk their existence and role. Assessment is a process by which one learns more about oneself -what ones likes, what one does not like, and how one tends to react to certain situations. Knowing these things can help one determine which areas and situations need to be improved. Latinos have been assessed in all areas: crime, immigration, home ownership, business, health and education, just to mention a few.
Education is where we Latinos need to go. The core areas are parent school improvement, not just saying it but providing a sound and solid voice for Latino parents. City and state evaluations must include disaggregated student achievement data, academic objectives for each subgroup and the percentage of students not tested, high school graduation rates and the professional qualifications of teachers.
Education must be visionary and culturally sensitive. Federal involvement is needed in this area by supporting programs and activities that include academic enrichment services, art and music education, math, science and computer literacy tutoring services and mentoring programs. The key Latino role models which may include NBA Latino sports stars, entertainers, young Latino entrepeneurs, rising Latinos in business, education and publishing must be available to come in and reach out to the younger Latino teens in dire need of guidance and support. Additionally, programs that provide after-school activities for limited English-proficient students that emphasize language skills and academic achievement, telecommunications and technology education must be encouraged.
The vision for quality education is a good, engaged, caring and involved parent. Let us take advantage of The No Child Left Behind Act provisions which would help parents of English language learners make informed decisions about their children’s education, such as which program of study is best for helping them learn English and academic course work. There is a plan and it must be placed in action. We are all in awe of the Latino growth and unequivocal influence in all of America's institutions, but we Latinos must put priorities in order. After our loyalty to the Almighty and the Latino family, the education of our present and future generations must be the priority in the days ahead.
Manny Hernandez contributes commentary about education issues to Puerto Rico Sun. Hernandez may be reached at 787-355-0099 or by mail: HC-01, Box 7717, Luquillo, Puerto Rico 00773.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Community News
WHO DID LATINOS VOTE FOR?
New NCLR Publication Examines the Latino Vote in the 2004 Election
Washington, DC - Hispanic participation in the 2004 election, including exit poll numbers that have generated considerable debate and controversy over the last two weeks, is the subject of a new analysis released today by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S.
"NCLR's analysis shows first that there was a record turnout of Latinos in this election, and second that Hispanic voters have clearly cemented their status as a swing vote," stated Janet Murguia, NCLR Executive Director and COO.
NCLR's paper examines a variety of exit poll data that show a range of support among Latinos: 31-44% for President George Bush and 53-67% for Senator John Kerry. The analysis concludes that, despite discrepancies among the various exit polls, when each poll is compared to its 2000 counterpart, it shows a seven to nine percentage point increase in support for President Bush. The document also includes a comparison of exit poll data from other presidential elections dating back to 1988. Finally, it notes the exponential growth in Latino voters in that same time frame. NCLR estimates that nearly eight million Hispanics went to the polls on November 2, a 27% increase since 2000 and more than double the number who voted in 1988.
The analysis is available free of charge. To access other election related information visit NCLR's website, www.nclr.org:
"NCLR - How Did Latinos Really Vote in 2004?"
"UNPRECEDENTED ELECTION FOR LATINO COMMUNITY."
"VOTER INFORMATION HOTLINE KEY TO PARTICIPATION AMONG LATINO VOTERS"
"PROTECTING THE LATINO VOTE IN 2004 ELECTION"
source: NCLR
_________________________________________________________________________________
IRS Has Refunds for Hundreds of Puerto Ricans
Washington, DC – The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) is working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to alert taxpayers in Puerto Rico that over 700 Puerto Ricans who were owed refunds in 2004 did not receive them due to incorrect mailing addresses or other problems. Nationwide, nearly 87,500 income tax refund checks – totaling over $73 million – could not be delivered.
Refund checks can be reissued as soon as taxpayers correct or update their addresses with the IRS.
"If we owe you money, we'd like to get it to you," said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. "All you have to do is tell us where you are.”
Mari Carmen Aponte, executive director of PRFAA, said her Agency will help facilitate the dissemination of information to all Puerto Ricans who might be missing their refund checks. “We have posted on our website – www.prfaa.com – all the names of those Puerto Ricans who are owed refunds by the IRS. We know that you have worked hard to earn a living and want to make sure that every Puerto Rican receives what they are owed.”
“If you see your name or the name of someone you know on the list, you can click on the link on that page to go directly to the IRS website to track your undelivered refund check. On the IRS website, you will need to provide your social security number, your filing status (such as single or married filing jointly) and the refund amount shown on your 2003 tax return.” Aponte explained.
When that information is submitted online, taxpayers see Web pages that show the status of their refund and, in some cases, instructions to resolve potential account issues. “Where’s My Refund?” was developed through the IRS Business Systems Modernization program and delivered in the summer of 2002. Taxpayers used the online tool nearly 24 million times to track their refunds in 2004.
Taxpayers who believe they are owed a refund that was never received and are unable to access the internet may call IRS toll-free assistance line at 1-800-829-1040 to update their address.
The number of undeliverable checks decreased this year by 5,325, but the average refund, $836, increased compared with last year’s average of $722.
Taxpayers can avoid undelivered refund checks by having their refunds directly deposited into a personal checking or savings account. Direct deposit also guards against theft or lost refund checks. The option is available for both paper and electronically filed returns. More than 49 million taxpayers chose to direct deposit almost $120 billion in refunds this year. The number of direct deposit refunds was up 10.8 percent from last year.
Refund checks go astray for reasons that can vary with each taxpayer. Often, it’s because a life change causes an address change. If taxpayers move or change their address and fail to notify the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service, a check sent to their last known address is returned to the IRS.
Taxpayers who have moved since filing their last tax return can ensure the IRS has their correct address by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS. Download the form or request it by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
Related Links:
“Where’s My Refund?” —
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html
Form 8822, Change of Address —
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf
Names of those Puerto Ricans who are owed refunds by the IRS — (go to www.prfaa.com and click there).
PRFAA, which serves as the mainland offices of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, facilitates and promotes economic and public policy initiatives important to the growth and empowerment of all Puerto Rican communities. The agency is headquartered in Washington, DC and currently operates 12 regional and satellite offices in New York City, Newark, Boston, Springfield, MA, Philadelphia, Hartford, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cleveland, and Houston. The Washington, DC office is located at 1100 17th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036 and can be reached at (202) 778-0710 or via the web at www.prfaa.com.
source: www.prfaa.com
WHO DID LATINOS VOTE FOR?
New NCLR Publication Examines the Latino Vote in the 2004 Election
Washington, DC - Hispanic participation in the 2004 election, including exit poll numbers that have generated considerable debate and controversy over the last two weeks, is the subject of a new analysis released today by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S.
"NCLR's analysis shows first that there was a record turnout of Latinos in this election, and second that Hispanic voters have clearly cemented their status as a swing vote," stated Janet Murguia, NCLR Executive Director and COO.
NCLR's paper examines a variety of exit poll data that show a range of support among Latinos: 31-44% for President George Bush and 53-67% for Senator John Kerry. The analysis concludes that, despite discrepancies among the various exit polls, when each poll is compared to its 2000 counterpart, it shows a seven to nine percentage point increase in support for President Bush. The document also includes a comparison of exit poll data from other presidential elections dating back to 1988. Finally, it notes the exponential growth in Latino voters in that same time frame. NCLR estimates that nearly eight million Hispanics went to the polls on November 2, a 27% increase since 2000 and more than double the number who voted in 1988.
The analysis is available free of charge. To access other election related information visit NCLR's website, www.nclr.org:
"NCLR - How Did Latinos Really Vote in 2004?"
"UNPRECEDENTED ELECTION FOR LATINO COMMUNITY."
"VOTER INFORMATION HOTLINE KEY TO PARTICIPATION AMONG LATINO VOTERS"
"PROTECTING THE LATINO VOTE IN 2004 ELECTION"
source: NCLR
_________________________________________________________________________________
IRS Has Refunds for Hundreds of Puerto Ricans
Washington, DC – The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) is working with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to alert taxpayers in Puerto Rico that over 700 Puerto Ricans who were owed refunds in 2004 did not receive them due to incorrect mailing addresses or other problems. Nationwide, nearly 87,500 income tax refund checks – totaling over $73 million – could not be delivered.
Refund checks can be reissued as soon as taxpayers correct or update their addresses with the IRS.
"If we owe you money, we'd like to get it to you," said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. "All you have to do is tell us where you are.”
Mari Carmen Aponte, executive director of PRFAA, said her Agency will help facilitate the dissemination of information to all Puerto Ricans who might be missing their refund checks. “We have posted on our website – www.prfaa.com – all the names of those Puerto Ricans who are owed refunds by the IRS. We know that you have worked hard to earn a living and want to make sure that every Puerto Rican receives what they are owed.”
“If you see your name or the name of someone you know on the list, you can click on the link on that page to go directly to the IRS website to track your undelivered refund check. On the IRS website, you will need to provide your social security number, your filing status (such as single or married filing jointly) and the refund amount shown on your 2003 tax return.” Aponte explained.
When that information is submitted online, taxpayers see Web pages that show the status of their refund and, in some cases, instructions to resolve potential account issues. “Where’s My Refund?” was developed through the IRS Business Systems Modernization program and delivered in the summer of 2002. Taxpayers used the online tool nearly 24 million times to track their refunds in 2004.
Taxpayers who believe they are owed a refund that was never received and are unable to access the internet may call IRS toll-free assistance line at 1-800-829-1040 to update their address.
The number of undeliverable checks decreased this year by 5,325, but the average refund, $836, increased compared with last year’s average of $722.
Taxpayers can avoid undelivered refund checks by having their refunds directly deposited into a personal checking or savings account. Direct deposit also guards against theft or lost refund checks. The option is available for both paper and electronically filed returns. More than 49 million taxpayers chose to direct deposit almost $120 billion in refunds this year. The number of direct deposit refunds was up 10.8 percent from last year.
Refund checks go astray for reasons that can vary with each taxpayer. Often, it’s because a life change causes an address change. If taxpayers move or change their address and fail to notify the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service, a check sent to their last known address is returned to the IRS.
Taxpayers who have moved since filing their last tax return can ensure the IRS has their correct address by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS. Download the form or request it by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
Related Links:
“Where’s My Refund?” —
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html
Form 8822, Change of Address —
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8822.pdf
Names of those Puerto Ricans who are owed refunds by the IRS — (go to www.prfaa.com and click there).
PRFAA, which serves as the mainland offices of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, facilitates and promotes economic and public policy initiatives important to the growth and empowerment of all Puerto Rican communities. The agency is headquartered in Washington, DC and currently operates 12 regional and satellite offices in New York City, Newark, Boston, Springfield, MA, Philadelphia, Hartford, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cleveland, and Houston. The Washington, DC office is located at 1100 17th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036 and can be reached at (202) 778-0710 or via the web at www.prfaa.com.
source: www.prfaa.com
La Providencia
Los Catolicos celebramos La Virgen de la Providencia, la patrona de Puerto Rico, hoy en su dia.
Nov 19, 2004 08:00 ET
20,000 Reached in Nationwide Bus Tour to Increase Number of Latinos Attending College
The Sallie Mae Fund Hosts Last of 125 Workshops, Community Events Nov. 19-20 in Miami
RESTON, Va., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sallie Mae Fund's 23-city, coast- to-coast bus tour, On the Road: The Paying for College Tour, concludes this weekend in Miami with a series of events and workshops for Latino families.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041119/DCF002 )
The nationwide bus tour has helped educate more than 20,000 Latino students and parents on planning and paying for college through more than 125 workshops and community events. In Florida alone, nearly 2,000 people are expected to participate. Workshops attended by 150 students will be held this morning at Coral Park Senior High School in Miami.
"The Sallie Mae Fund has shown that knowledge of financial aid can mean the difference between attending college or writing it off as hopelessly out of reach," said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). "I challenge Hispanic families to capitalize on this financial aid because, as college graduates, Hispanics can play an increasingly important role in our country's future."
The Sallie Mae Fund also will host workshops at ASPIRA North tonight, and Maria Celeste Arraras, popular Telemundo news personality, will join the tour tomorrow afternoon at the Miami Beach Convention Center (details at http://www.salliemaefund.org/). The Fund also sponsored an "Idea Lab" this week to provide educators with a forum to discuss higher education access issues affecting minorities.
The bus tour, which began in Los Angeles on Sept. 8, was launched in the wake of the largest-ever survey of Latino perspectives on financial aid, which was commissioned by The Sallie Mae Fund and conducted by the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute at the University of Southern California. The survey results, announced in March, revealed that awareness of financial aid options is critically lacking in the Latino community, and that this lack of awareness is hampering college attendance. Half of all Latino young adults and more than half of all Latino parents did not receive any financial aid information in the K-12 years.
The survey showed that Latino families prefer to learn about financial aid from in-person meetings or workshops, provided by guidance counselors or financial aid experts. Financial aid experts, and more than 60 student- serving organizations, and Latino community-based groups nationwide partnered with The Sallie Mae Fund to bring financial aid information to Latino families how and where they want to receive it. The free Spanish-language workshops (with simultaneous English translation) are designed to help answer questions and provide information to Latino students and their parents. A college scholarship was awarded at every workshop, with a total of $60,000 in scholarships awarded to date.
"We knew from our research that thousands of Latino families were not receiving financial aid information in their desired format," said Susan Corsini, vice chair of The Sallie Mae Fund. "These families embraced The Fund's workshops and events -- a clear sign that this type of initiative can be tremendously powerful in helping more Latinos prepare for college."
"Many Latino young adults believe they can't go to college because college has not been part of their family history. If we can communicate a message of opportunity, college will become a source of pride for so many more Latino families," said Ruth Gammon-Stennett, associate director, ASPIRA North Miami.
Latinos represent the largest and most rapidly growing ethnic minority group in the state, making up nearly 17 percent of the Florida population. By the year 2014, more than one out of every three public high school graduates in Florida will be of Latino descent, according to projections by the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education.
The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission -- to increase access to a postsecondary education for America's students -- by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can. For more information visit http://www.salliemaefund.org/.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041119/DCF002
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN2
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The Sallie Mae Fund
CONTACT: Hugh Rosen of The Sallie Mae Fund, +1-703-984-6227, or
hugh.rosen@thesalliemaefund.org
Web site: http://www.thesalliemaefund.org/
20,000 Reached in Nationwide Bus Tour to Increase Number of Latinos Attending College
The Sallie Mae Fund Hosts Last of 125 Workshops, Community Events Nov. 19-20 in Miami
RESTON, Va., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sallie Mae Fund's 23-city, coast- to-coast bus tour, On the Road: The Paying for College Tour, concludes this weekend in Miami with a series of events and workshops for Latino families.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041119/DCF002 )
The nationwide bus tour has helped educate more than 20,000 Latino students and parents on planning and paying for college through more than 125 workshops and community events. In Florida alone, nearly 2,000 people are expected to participate. Workshops attended by 150 students will be held this morning at Coral Park Senior High School in Miami.
"The Sallie Mae Fund has shown that knowledge of financial aid can mean the difference between attending college or writing it off as hopelessly out of reach," said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). "I challenge Hispanic families to capitalize on this financial aid because, as college graduates, Hispanics can play an increasingly important role in our country's future."
The Sallie Mae Fund also will host workshops at ASPIRA North tonight, and Maria Celeste Arraras, popular Telemundo news personality, will join the tour tomorrow afternoon at the Miami Beach Convention Center (details at http://www.salliemaefund.org/). The Fund also sponsored an "Idea Lab" this week to provide educators with a forum to discuss higher education access issues affecting minorities.
The bus tour, which began in Los Angeles on Sept. 8, was launched in the wake of the largest-ever survey of Latino perspectives on financial aid, which was commissioned by The Sallie Mae Fund and conducted by the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute at the University of Southern California. The survey results, announced in March, revealed that awareness of financial aid options is critically lacking in the Latino community, and that this lack of awareness is hampering college attendance. Half of all Latino young adults and more than half of all Latino parents did not receive any financial aid information in the K-12 years.
The survey showed that Latino families prefer to learn about financial aid from in-person meetings or workshops, provided by guidance counselors or financial aid experts. Financial aid experts, and more than 60 student- serving organizations, and Latino community-based groups nationwide partnered with The Sallie Mae Fund to bring financial aid information to Latino families how and where they want to receive it. The free Spanish-language workshops (with simultaneous English translation) are designed to help answer questions and provide information to Latino students and their parents. A college scholarship was awarded at every workshop, with a total of $60,000 in scholarships awarded to date.
"We knew from our research that thousands of Latino families were not receiving financial aid information in their desired format," said Susan Corsini, vice chair of The Sallie Mae Fund. "These families embraced The Fund's workshops and events -- a clear sign that this type of initiative can be tremendously powerful in helping more Latinos prepare for college."
"Many Latino young adults believe they can't go to college because college has not been part of their family history. If we can communicate a message of opportunity, college will become a source of pride for so many more Latino families," said Ruth Gammon-Stennett, associate director, ASPIRA North Miami.
Latinos represent the largest and most rapidly growing ethnic minority group in the state, making up nearly 17 percent of the Florida population. By the year 2014, more than one out of every three public high school graduates in Florida will be of Latino descent, according to projections by the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education.
The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission -- to increase access to a postsecondary education for America's students -- by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can. For more information visit http://www.salliemaefund.org/.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041119/DCF002
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN2
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The Sallie Mae Fund
CONTACT: Hugh Rosen of The Sallie Mae Fund, +1-703-984-6227, or
hugh.rosen@thesalliemaefund.org
Web site: http://www.thesalliemaefund.org/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)