Contact:
Anne Guarnera
(202) 503-1397
aguarnera@hispanicfund.org

BELMONT STUDENTS HOST TALENT SHOW TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LOS ANGELES HISPANIC YOUTH SYMPOSIUM
Masiela Lusha of the George Lopez Show MC’s Event to Send Students to College Empowerment Program

Los Angeles (March 25, 2010) - On April 16, 2010 at 6 PM  the students of Belmont High School will host a benefit talent show MC-ed by actress Masiela Lusha, famous for her role as Carmen Lopez on The George Lopez Show. The event will raise funds to send alumni of the 2009 Hispanic Youth Symposium back to the 2010 symposium to serve as volunteers and near-peer mentors for students attending this year. The talent show will take place in the school’s auditorium and will feature seven different acts, including performances by faculty and students. Prizes including $100 cash for first place and Macy’s gift certificates will be awarded to the second and third place winners.  Admission is only $5 per person.

Proceeds from the talent show will be used to send students to the Hispanic Youth Symposium, scheduled to take place on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles from August 10-13, 2010. The four-day, three-night program is designed to motivate Latino students to pursue a college degree, enter a professional career and give back to their communities. Students gain the motivation and tools that they need for success by building relationships with adult mentors, attending workshops on college and career preparation, and participating in confidence-building activities.

“At the Hispanic Youth Symposium, we are always telling our students to ’send the elevator back down’ - to help others have the same opportunities that they have had,” said Jacqueline Griego, director of the Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Symposium. “We are thrilled that these Belmont students have taken this message to heart and are now working to send others to the same program.”

The Hispanic Youth Symposium is the first step in the Hispanic College Fund’s pipeline of professional development programs for Hispanic students.

Following the conclusion of the symposium, students will be enrolled in the year-round programming of the Hispanic Youth Institute, which is designed to increase their college knowledge and help them maintain progress towards academic and professional success.

Sponsors of the 2010 Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Institute include: Southwest Airlines, Beyond the Bell, Grifols Biologicals Inc, Employees Community Fund of Boeing California, University of Phoenix Foundation, The Walt Disney Community and Telemundo 52-Los Angeles.

National program partners include Darden Restaurants, Microsoft, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Social Security Administration.

To learn more about the Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Institute and Symposium, visit: www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-la

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About the Hispanic College Fund

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years, the Hispanic College Fund has provided educational, scholarship, and mentoring programs to students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, establishing a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities. The organization has twice received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating for fiscal responsibility in non-profit management.

Website: www.hispanicfund.org

Contact:
Anne Guarnera
(202) 503-1397
aguarnera@hispanicfund.org

Student Applications Now Open for 2010 Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Symposium
Belmont, Roosevelt, and Santee High School Students Encouraged to Apply to Four-Day College Empowerment Program

Los Angeles, CA (December 16, 2009) - The Hispanic College Fund and the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools announced today that student applications for the 2010 Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Symposium are now available on www.hispanicyouth.org. Students from Belmont, Roosevelt and Santee High Schools are encouraged to apply to the program, which is focused on empowering youth for success in college, career and community service. The program will take place from August 10^th-13^th, 2010 on the campus of UCLA. It requires only a $10 commitment from students; all other expenses, including lodging, transportation and food, are covered. Approximately 150 students will be selected to attend.

During the Hispanic Youth Symposium, students will have the opportunity to connect with Hispanic mentors, attend workshops on college admissions and financial aid, compete for $10,500 in available scholarship funds, and meet with college admissions officers from local schools.

“Just last week, new research told us that even though more than 80 percent of California’s Hispanic students value higher education, very few actually make it to their college graduation,” said Jacqueline Griego, director of the Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Symposium. “So we know that the L.A. Hispanic Youth Symposium is more relevant than ever. We must prepare the next generation of Latinos by motivating them - and providing practical information - to get into college, pay for it, and graduate ready to start a professional career.”

This is the second year that the Hispanic College Fund and the Partnership for L.A. Schools have partnered to present the Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Symposium. Founded in 2004, the Hispanic Youth Symposium currently serves six cities and 1,000 students annually across the United States.

“California is one of America’s greatest economic engines, and by strengthening the Los Angeles workforce, this program is strengthening our entire nation,” said Marshall Tuck, chief executive officer of the Partnership for L.A. Schools. “Our state’s Latino students are the workforce of the future - and with this program, we hope to mold them into the successful engineers, doctors, scientists, and educators that they can become.”

Following the conclusion of the symposium, students will be enrolled in the year-round programming of the Hispanic Youth Institute, which is designed to increase their college knowledge and help them maintain progress towards academic and professional success. The Hispanic Youth Institute also serves as a support system for students’ families by involving them in the college admissions process through regular workshops and ongoing education about scholarships, internships, and college application deadlines.

Proud sponsors of the Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Symposium are AT&T, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, Southwest Airlines, UCLA, American Honda Foundation, Social Security Administration, Employees Community Fund of Boeing California, GRIFOLS, the National Nuclear Security Administration, University of Phoenix Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Central California Consortium of the U.S. Forest Service, Comerica Bank, Darden, Ernie G., Fox Entertainment Group, Manatt, the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, the United States Department of Agriculture, Google, Jarritos, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Kaplan K12 Learning Services, Lawry’s Catering, Pace Promotions, San Francisco Hispanic Affairs Advisory Council, Sparkletts and Youth Venture.

To learn more about the Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Symposium, please visit: http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-la.

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About the Hispanic College Fund

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years, the Hispanic College Fund has provided educational, scholarship, and mentoring programs to students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, establishing a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities. The organization has twice received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating for fiscal responsibility in non-profit management.
Website: www.hispanicfund.org

The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools

With twelve schools, 16,000 students and more than 1,200 employees, The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools is a unique collaboration between the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District to turnaround LA’s lowest performing schools and to create a model for doing so district wide.

The Partnership is the largest non-district school operator in Los Angeles, and given its close relationship with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, it is the most visible. The Partnership’s mission is to transform teaching and learning so all students have a foundation for academic excellence and personal success.

Contact:
Anne Guarnera
(202) 503-1397
aguarnera@hispanicfund.org

Student Applications Now Open for 2010 Dallas Hispanic Youth Symposium
High School Students Encouraged to Apply to Four-Day College Empowerment Program

Dallas, TX (December 16, 2009) - The Hispanic College Fund and Southern Methodist University (SMU) announced today that student applications for the 2010 Dallas Hispanic Youth Symposium are now available on www.hispanicyouth.org. Students attending Dallas ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD high schools are encouraged to apply to the program, which is focused on empowering youth for success in college, career and community service. The program will take place from June 16-19, 2010, on the campus of SMU. It requires only a $10 commitment from students; all other expenses, including transportation, lodging and food, are covered. Approximately 200 students will be selected to attend.

During the Hispanic Youth Symposium, students will have the opportunity to connect with Hispanic mentors, attend workshops on college admissions and financial aid, compete for $10,500 in available scholarship funds, and meet with college admissions officers from local schools.

“Just last week, new research from California showed us that even though the large majority of Hispanic students value higher education, very few actually make it all the way to college graduation,” said Stina Augustsson, the Hispanic College Fund’s National Director of Pre-College Programs. “So we know that the Dallas Hispanic Youth Symposium is more relevant than ever. We must prepare the next generation of Latinos by giving them the motivation - and practical information - to get into college, pay for it, and graduate ready to start a professional career.”

This is the second year that the Hispanic College Fund and SMU have partnered to present the Dallas Hispanic Youth Symposium. This summer, 178 high school students from Dallas and throughout Texas benefited from the program, which brought a community of partners together including Dallas ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, SMU and the Hispanic College Fund.  Founded in 2004, the Hispanic Youth Symposium currently serves six cities and approximately 1,000 students annually across the United States.

“At SMU, we are dedicated to broadening educational opportunities to Hispanic students. By hosting the Hispanic Youth Symposium, we can connect with Hispanic youth in a way that empowers and motivates them to achieve academic excellence,” said  Thomas W. Tunks, Associate Provost of Southern Methodist University. “We see this as a long-term investment in the Dallas community. By helping these students advance their education, we ensure that they will have the opportunity one day to give back to those around them.”

Following the conclusion of the symposium, students will be enrolled in the year-round programming of the Hispanic Youth Institute, which is designed to increase their college knowledge and help them maintain progress towards academic and professional success.

To learn more about the Dallas Hispanic Youth Symposium, please visit: http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-dallas.

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About the Hispanic College Fund

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years, the Hispanic College Fund has provided educational, scholarship, and mentoring programs to students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, establishing a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities. The organization has twice received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating for fiscal responsibility in non-profit management.
Website: www.hispanicfund.org

About SMU:

A private university located in the heart of Dallas, SMU is building on the vision of its founders, who imagined a distinguished center for learning emerging from the spirit of the city. Today, 11,000 students benefit from the national opportunities and international reach afforded by the quality of SMU’s seven degree-granting schools. For more information, visit www.smu.edu

Contact:
Anne Guarnera
(202) 503-1397
aguarnera@hispanicfund.org

Student Applications Now Open for 2010 Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium
High School Students Encouraged to Apply to Four-Day College Empowerment Program

Towson, MD (December 16, 2009) - The Hispanic College Fund announced today that student applications for the 2010 Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium are now available on www.hispanicyouth.org. Students from all counties of the state are encouraged to apply to the program, which is focused on empowering youth for success in college, career and community service. The program will take place from June 29 - July 2, 2010 on the campus of Towson University. It requires only a $10 commitment from students; all other expenses, including lodging, transportation and food, are covered. Approximately 200 students will be selected to attend.

During the Hispanic Youth Symposium, students will have the opportunity to connect with Hispanic mentors, attend workshops on college admissions and financial aid, compete for $10,500 in available scholarship funds, and meet with college admissions officers from local schools.

“Just last week, new research from California told us that even though more than 80 percent of Hispanic students value higher education, very few actually make it to college graduation,” said Daniel Sarmiento, Director of the Hispanic College Fund’s Hispanic Youth Institute. “So we know that the Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium is more relevant than ever. We must prepare the next generation of Latinos by motivating them - and providing practical information - to get into college, pay for it, and graduate ready to start a professional career.”

This is the sixth year that the Hispanic College Fund has presented the Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium. Founded in 2004, the Hispanic Youth Symposium currently serves six cities and 1,000 students annually across the United States. Of the more than 2,600 alumni of the program, nearly 90 percent of eligible students have gone on to successfully enroll in college.

Following the conclusion of the symposium, students will be enrolled in the year-round programming of the Hispanic Youth Institute, which is designed to increase their college knowledge and help them maintain progress towards academic and professional success.

To learn more about the Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium, please visit: http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-maryland.

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About the Hispanic College Fund

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years, the Hispanic College Fund has provided educational, scholarship, and mentoring programs to students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, establishing a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities. The organization has twice received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating for fiscal responsibility in non-profit management.

Website: www.hispanicfund.org

Contact:
Anne Guarnera
(202) 503-1397
aguarnera@hispanicfund.org

Student Applications Now Open for 2010 Central Valley Hispanic Youth Symposium
High School Students Encouraged to Apply to Four-Day College Empowerment Program

Fresno, CA (December 16, 2009) - The Hispanic College Fund and the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium announced today that student applications for the 2010 Central Valley Hispanic Youth Symposium (HYS) are now available on www.hispanicyouth.org. High school students scheduled to graduate with the Class of 2012 or Class of 2013 from Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and Tulare Counties are encouraged to apply to the program, which is focused on empowering youth for success in college, career and community service. The Central Valley HYS will take place from July 20 -23, 2010 on the campus of Fresno State. It requires only a $10 commitment from students; all other expenses, including lodging, transportation and food, are covered. Approximately 100 students will be selected to attend.

During the Hispanic Youth Symposium, students will have the opportunity to connect with Hispanic mentors, attend workshops on college admissions and financial aid, compete for $10,500 in available scholarship funds, and meet with college admissions officers from local schools.

“Just last week, new research told us that even though more than 80 percent of California’s Hispanic students value higher education, very few actually make it to college graduation,” said Andrew Gonzalez, the Hispanic College Fund’s Western States Director of the Hispanic Youth Symposium. “So we know that the Central Valley Hispanic Youth Symposium is more relevant than ever. We must prepare the next generation of Latinos by teaching them how to get into college, pay for it, and graduate ready to start a professional career.”

This is the fifth year that the Symposium will be offered on the campus of Fresno State. Founded in 2004, the Hispanic Youth Symposium currently serves six cities and 1,600 students annually across the United States.

Following the conclusion of the symposium, students will be enrolled in the year-round programming of the Hispanic Youth Institute, which is designed to increase their college knowledge and help them maintain progress towards academic and professional success.

Key stakeholders involved in the 2010 Central Valley Hispanic Youth Symposium include:  Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, Fresno State University Outreach Services, USDA Forest Service Central California Consortium, Social Security Administration, Fresno State Lyles College of Engineering, USDA - Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program, Fresno State Educational Talent Search, Lambda Theta Phi - Latin Fraternity, Inc, Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc., and Artist Dora Mora. 

Sponsors for the 2010 Central Valley HYS include:  Southwest Airlines, University of Phoenix Foundation, Ruiz Foods/El Monterey and the Fresno Regional Foundation. 

To learn more about the Central Valley Hispanic Youth Symposium, please visit: http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-central-valley.

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About the Hispanic College Fund

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years, the Hispanic College Fund has provided educational, scholarship, and mentoring programs to students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, establishing a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities. The organization has twice received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating for fiscal responsibility in non-profit management.
Website: www.hispanicfund.org

About the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium

The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) is a non-profit, incorporated partnership of 21 accredited community colleges and public and independent universities. Established in 2000, by the presidents and chancellors of the region’s colleges and universities, CVHEC serves a 10-county area including Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties.

Together, CVHEC and its member higher education institutions are committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Valley by increasing the number of area students who continue their education beyond high school and by educating graduates ready to meet the demands of a competitive workplace.

Website: www.collegenext.org

Contact:
Anne Guarnera
(202) 503-1397
aguarnera@hispanicfund.org

Student Applications Now Open for 2010 New Mexico Hispanic Youth Symposium
High School Students Encouraged to Apply to Four-Day College Empowerment Program

Albuquerque, NM (December 16, 2009) - The Hispanic College Fund, New Mexico MESA, and the University of New Mexico announced today that student applications for the 2010 New Mexico Hispanic Youth Symposium are now available on www.hispanicyouth.org. High school students from any area of the state are encouraged to apply to the program, which is focused on empowering youth for success in college, career and community service. The program will take place from June 15-18, 2010 on the Albuquerque campus of the University of New Mexico. It requires only a $10 commitment from students; all other expenses, including transportation, lodging and food, are covered. Approximately 100 students will be selected to attend.

“Students who have attended the Hispanic Youth Symposium in the past know that this is a life-changing event,” said Andrew Gonzalez, Director of the Hispanic Youth Symposium, Western States. “Students come to HYS, and they feel discouraged about their future - they may not even know anybody who has went to college. But after four days, they leave confident that they can pursue higher education and then, they go and do it.”

During the Hispanic Youth Symposium, students will have the opportunity to connect with Hispanic mentors, attend workshops on college admissions and financial aid, compete for $10,500 in available scholarship funds, and meet with college admissions officers from local schools.

“In a state where so many of the jobs require a college education, it is now more important than ever to empower underrepresented minorities to go to college and become professionals,” said Toney Begay, executive director of New Mexico MESA. “This is especially true in the face increasing global competition.”

This is the fourth year that the symposium will take place in New Mexico. Founded in 2004, the Hispanic Youth Symposium currently serves six cities and nearly 1,000 students annually across the United States.

 ”This program not only enriches our New Mexico community, but it is something that strengthens the future of our country,” said Mike DeWitte, senior manager at Sandia National Laboratories, who serves as chair of the Symposium’s corporate advisory board. “In New Mexico, our minority students compose the majority of the student population and they represent the workforce of the future. With this program, we hope to mold them into the successful engineers, doctors, scientists, and educators that they have the potential to become.”

Following the conclusion of the symposium, students will be enrolled in the year-round programming of the Hispanic Youth Institute, which is designed to increase their college knowledge and help them maintain progress towards academic and professional success.

Sponsors and community partners of the New Mexico HYS include: Southwest Airlines, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and University of Phoenix Foundation

To learn more about the New Mexico Hispanic Youth Symposium, please visit: http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-new-mexico.

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About the Hispanic College Fund

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years, the Hispanic College Fund has provided educational, scholarship, and mentoring programs to students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, establishing a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities. The organization has twice received Charity Navigator’s top four-star rating for fiscal responsibility in non-profit management.
Web site: www.hispanicfund.org

About New Mexico MESA

New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering Science Achievement (NM MESA) Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes educational enrichment for middle and high school students from historically under-represented ethnic groups. NM MESA, in partnership with schools and universities, prepares these pre-college students for college and careers in mathematics, engineering, science and related fields.
Web site: www.nmmesa.org

About the University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico  is the state’s largest university, serving more than 34,000 students. UNM is home to the state’s only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico’s only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

Web site: www.unm.edu

The University of Richmond will accommodate more than 200 students on its campus and will help students explore their potential career paths by providing admissions representatives for the symposium’s college and career fair.

Through its partnership with the Hispanic College Fund, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will empower Hispanics to make a difference in Virginia communities. The chamber will help with fundraising and find professionals who can host workshops for students in the area.

“Educating and ensuring that Latino youth have the opportunity and resources necessary to achieve their dream is not only a noble cause but is vital for our country and economy,” said Michel Zajur, President and CEO of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “The Symposium provides students with the tools and knowledge of how to prepare for college so that they may envision higher education as an attainable option.”

Winners of competitions in Art, Speech, Essay, and Talent will receive scholarships from the Hispanic College Fund-a total of $14,000 will be awarded.

The importance of voting

Voto Latino, the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), and the Hispanic College Fund are partnering to get Virginia HYS students registered to vote. Those students who are and will be turning 18 by November 4 will register at the symposium with the help of a registrar provided by USHLI. All students, regardless of age at the time of the symposium, will learn why every vote counts in an election and why it is important to engage in local and national politics. As national attention continues to focus on the Hispanic vote leading up to the 2008 Presidential Election, students will see the power of voting come to life in November. In order to ensure that students stay engaged in the voting process after the symposium, students will be directed to use Voto Latino’s user friendly online voter registration mechanism.

“With 50,000 Latinos turn 18 every year (as reported by Pew Hispanic Center) in the U.S., there is power amongst Latino youth to create and implement positive change,” said Maria Teresa Petersen, Executive Director of Voto Latino. “Already, we have seen an unprecedented number of Latino youth cast their votes at the Primary elections and caucuses with high voter turnout expected in the Presidential election. With proactive organizations such as The Hispanic College Fund, Voto Latino hopes to provide a national platform and tools necessary to continually engage and empower the Latino youth demographic.”

“After 26 years and with over 2 million registered voters, USHLI knows the impact that face-to-face voter education has on our community,” said Cesar Moreno, Associate Executive Director for the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. “This direct contact with students helps make all the difference. Students not only understand how to register to vote but why it’s important to encourage their family members and peers to register as well. We are thrilled to collaborate with Voto Latino and the Hispanic College Fund for this important cause.”

Interacting with students

Prominent Hispanic leaders in Richmond will interact one-on-one with students while serving as inspiring role models. Leaders will share stories of how they triumphed over adversity and persevered when faced with an obstacle while students ask them questions in an encouraging environment.

“My interest in physics and my decision to pursue it as a profession were immensely affected by my high school physics teacher,” said Javier Gomez, physicist with the Department of Energy, Office of Science, Nuclear Physics who will be serving as an Issues to Action Facilitator. “Unknowingly he taught me one of the most rewarding things of my professional career: seeing the glitter in someone’s eyes when something being communicated suddenly makes sense. I can only hope that I am as good role model to others as this teacher was for me.”

“Ernie G”, a renowned Hispanic comedian, will also interact with students while serving as a motivational speaker. The first to graduate from his family, he demonstrates the importance of education and perseverance. Students relate to his comedy because he shares his personal experience as a Latino growing up in Los Angeles.

The Hispanic Youth Symposium Alumni Association members will serve as spokespeople at this year’s Virginia symposium by sharing with students how HYS made a positive impact in their lives. The group, created in March 2008, consists of former HYS participants who meet twice a month to strategize on getting HYS alumni to give back to their communities.

“I participated in the Greater Washington Hispanic Youth Symposium in 2007. It really did make a positive difference in my life, so when I had the opportunity to work with other students who were affected in the same way, I couldn’t turn it down,” said Daniel Hernandez, Hispanic College Fund Alumni Association Secretary. “So far the alumni group has about 300 members and will keep growing. We look forward to meeting students in Richmond and hope to recruit them after HYS.”

Toastmasters International has provided the alumni association with free workshops on public speaking, interacting with the media, and negotiations.

Supporting the symposium

Sponsors of the Virginia symposium include National Nuclear Security Administration, United States Department of Energy, Social Security Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Southwest Airlines, Department of the Treasury, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, Inc., MasterCard, Bon Secours Richmond Health System, MeadWestvaco, VCU Center on Health Disparities, Hunton & Williams LLP, Troutman Sanders LLP, Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance, HealthSouth, Google, and ECMC, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Toastmasters, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Housing Development Authority, Virginia Commonwealth University, Center on Health Disparities, Youth Venture and Telemundo.

“Bon Secours Health System is excited to be a sponsor of this symposium,” said Dr. JoAnn McCaffrey, Director of Cross-Cultural Services for Bon Secours Health System in Richmond. “This is a unique opportunity for Virginia’s Latino youth to be exposed to the variety of careers opportunities open to them in the future, and to be able to personally connect with successful role models in those professions.”

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. (LUL), a national Latino based multicultural fraternal organization, will be providing 35-40 volunteers to symposia on the east coast. In 2006 the fraternity began its involvement with the Hispanic College Fund when its members, known as Hermanos, first volunteered at the Greater Washington Hispanic Youth Symposium as part of their regional community service. The relationship has since been solidified into a partnership and continues to grow with each subsequent year.

“LUL’s relationship with HCF allows our Hermanos to exercise their power as university and professional role models to encourage Latino students to not only think about going to college and getting a degree, but also about how they may use those experiences to become involved in helping their community and society at large,” said George Laws García, LUL’s National Director of Community Service.

The Social Security Administration has also donated time to HYS. Felicita Sola-Carter, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be speaking during the symposium’s closing ceremony. In addition, over 100 volunteers from the SSA employee volunteer network have come forward to assist with the symposium.

The Virginia Education Wizard, an online tool that provides comprehensive information about seeking college degrees and securing a job in the workforce, will be accessed by students in a computer lab session during and after the symposium.

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a long time partner of the Hispanic College Fund, will provide career development workshops for all resident assistants who lead HYS student groups on campus. HHF will also provide peer role models who will speak to students about their personal journey from internship to professional career.

On June 6, the Virginia Hispanic Youth Symposium website was launched. Students, volunteers, sponsors, and anyone who wants to learn more about the symposium can find all they need to know on the site.

Registration for the Virginia Hispanic Youth Symposium is now closed to students but open to anyone who would like to volunteer.

To visit the Virginia Youth Symposium website, please go to:
http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-richmond

About the Hispanic College Fund

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years HCF has provided scholarships and, since its founding, has incorporated internship and mentoring programs for students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The result is a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities.

Website: www.hispanicfund.org

# # #

Contact: Lisa Sandoval, Director of Communications, (202) 296-5400 ext. 117

In addition to hosting the symposium on its campus, Towson University will be offering a $500 grant renewable for 4 years, totaling up to $2,000, to any of the 1,300 students who attend one of the seven symposia held across the country this summer. Eligible students must apply and get accepted to Towson University. The generosity of Towson is sure to benefit students who will walk away inspired to attend college while more able to finance their education.

Winners of competitions in Art, Speech, Essay, and Talent will receive scholarships from the Hispanic College Fund-a total of $14,000 will be awarded. Towson University will add to the jackpot by offering up to $2,000 in matching scholarships to competition winners.

The importance of voting

Voto Latino, the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), and the Hispanic College Fund are partnering to get Maryland HYS students registered to vote. Those students who are and will be turning 18 by November 4 will register at the symposium with the help of a registrar provided by USHLI. All students, regardless of age at the time of the symposium, will learn why every vote counts in an election and why it is important to engage in local and national politics. As national attention continues to focus on the Hispanic vote leading up to the 2008 Presidential Election, students will see the power of voting come to life in November. In order to ensure that students stay engaged in the voting process after the symposium, students will be directed to use Voto Latino’s user friendly online voter registration mechanism.

“After 26 years and with over 2 million registered voters, USHLI knows the impact that face-to-face voter education has on our community,” said Cesar Moreno, Associate Executive Director for the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. “This direct contact with students helps make all the difference. Students not only understand how to register to vote but why it’s important to encourage their family members and peers to register as well. We are thrilled to collaborate with Voto Latino and the Hispanic College Fund for this important cause.”

Interacting with students

Prominent Hispanic leaders in Maryland will interact one-on-one with students while serving as inspiring role models. Hispanic leaders will share stories of how they triumphed over adversity and persevered when faced with an obstacle. Students will be able to ask the heroes questions in an encouraging environment.

“When I speak to the students, I want them to be inspired by my story of success,” said Ruby Stemmle, Executive Director for the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs and Hispanic Youth Symposium volunteer. “In order for them to believe success is possible, however, they have to relate to me and see themselves in who I was as a teen. While I like sharing stories of working for the Governor, I make it a point to start at the beginning, growing up in Columbia and later transitioning into a successful career in the U.S. My message is always, ‘If I can do it, you can too.’”

“Ernie G”, a renowned Hispanic comedian, will also interact with students while serving as a motivational speaker. The first to graduate from his family, he demonstrates the importance of education and perseverance. Students relate to his comedy because he shares his personal experience as a Latino growing up in Los Angeles.

The Hispanic Youth Symposium Alumni Association members will serve as spokespeople at this year’s Maryland symposium by sharing with students how HYS made a positive impact in their lives. The group, created in March 2008, consists of former HYS participants who meet twice a month to strategize on getting HYS alumni to give back to their communities.

“I participated in the Greater Washington Hispanic Youth Symposium in 2007. It really did make a positive difference in my life, so when I had the opportunity to work with other students who were affected in the same way, I couldn’t turn it down,” said Daniel Hernandez, Hispanic College Fund Alumni Association Secretary. “So far the alumni group has about 300 members and will keep growing. We look forward to meeting students in Maryland and hope to recruit them after HYS.”

Toastmasters International has provided the alumni association with free workshops on public speaking, interacting with the media, and negotiations.

Supporting the symposium

Sponsors of the Maryland symposium include Lockheed Martin, Kaiser Permanente, Marriott, Sallie Mae, and Northrop Grumman. New sponsors who have joined the effort to make HYS a success include MasterCard, Southwest Airlines, and Telemundo.

Kenneth J. Disken, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Lockheed Martin said, “My Corporation has a tremendous need for talent in terms of quantity and quality…we have become much more aware of our responsibility to invest time and resources in developing the workforce of the future, especially with regard to youth traditionally underrepresented in engineering and science. The bottom line is that HCF is a terrific investment.”

Lockheed Martin runs a unique engineering workshop. Students are divided into teams to construct an airplane out of legos. Given a set of rules and instructions, teams compete in order to learn about engineering. In addition to having fun, students learn the value of problem solving, creative thinking, and team work.

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. (LUL), a national Latino based multicultural fraternal organization, will be providing 35-40 volunteers to symposia on the east coast. In 2006 the fraternity began its involvement with the Hispanic College Fund when its members, known as Hermanos, first volunteered at the Greater Washington Hispanic Youth Symposium as part of their regional community service. The relationship has since been solidified into a partnership and continues to grow with each subsequent year.

“LUL’s relationship with HCF allows our Hermanos to exercise their power as university and professional role models to encourage Latino students to not only think about going to college and getting a degree, but also about how they may use those experiences to become involved in helping their community and society at large,” said George Laws García, LUL’s National Director of Community Service.

The Social Security Administration has also donated time to HYS. Felicita Sola-Carter, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be speaking during the symposium’s closing ceremony. In addition, over 100 volunteers from the SSA employee volunteer network have come forward to assist with the symposium.

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), a long time partner of the Hispanic College Fund, will provide career development workshops for all resident assistants who lead HYS student groups on campus. HHF will also provide peer role models who will speak to students about their personal journey from internship to professional career.

On June 6, the Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium website was launched. Students, volunteers, sponsors, and anyone who wants to learn more about the symposium can find all they need to know on the site.

Registration for the Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium is now closed to students but open to anyone who would like to volunteer.

To visit the Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium website, please go to: www.hispanicyouth.org-md

About the Hispanic College Fund
Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years HCF has provided scholarships and, since its founding, has incorporated internship and mentoring programs for students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The result is a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities.

Website: www.hispanicfund.org

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Contact: Lisa Sandoval, Director of Communications, (202) 296-5400 ext. 117

Colleges and universities that are scheduled to participate include the College of Santa Fe, the College of the Southwest, The Colorado College, Hasting College, Luna Community College, New Mexico State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, St. John’s College, the University of New Mexico, and Yale University.

“This is the first time that the Hispanic Youth Symposium will be held in New Mexico,” said Fernando Barrueta, Hispanic College Fund CEO. “We are very excited to be able to bring together so many excellent colleges and universities to speak one-on-one with these students, many of whom will be first generation college achievers. Introducing them to the very admissions counselors who can advise them on requirements and essay writing is an opportunity they will have never had before. It’s also a great opportunity for these colleges to reach talented students.”

“The exposure that colleges and universities receive through their participation is beneficial for both the communities in the area and for the University itself,” said Adam Torres, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Yale University. “Yale’s participation with the Hispanic College Fund and its partnerships in general reflects its commitment to diversity as it aims to present the opportunities it possesses to and for all communities.”

The New Mexico Hispanic Youth Symposium is a year-round program that guides and inspires Hispanic and Native American high school students to achieve a college education and professional career in business, science, technology, engineering, and math. The program will begin with a four-day, three-night kick-off event on the campus of the University of New Mexico in July, where the students will participate in an intense array of workshops and competitions that teach the students about how to apply for college, take a leadership role in school and their communities, and pursue a professional career.

During intensive college preparatory workshops, the students will be taught about taking the SAT, the importance of college preparatory coursework, writing a college essay, and paying for a college education.

Later in the program, the students will be provided with personalized business cards and encouraged to network among the participating colleges during a college and career fair. During the fair the students will speak with the college admissions and recruiting representatives to ask questions about admission requirements, college majors, financial aid, and any other issues the students wish to address.

In 2008 the Hispanic College Fund Youth Symposium will be offered in seven cities: Fresno, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Albuquerque, NM; Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Fairfax, VA; and Richmond, VA. It is expected that the program will expand to Southern California and other regions in 2009.

Sponsors of the program include the National Nuclear Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Energy, the New Mexico Legislature, Wells Fargo, General Dynamics C4 Systems, the University of New Mexico, the USDA, Applied Research Associates, Sandia National Laboratories, Inquiry Facilitators, the New Mexico State Human Resource Management Council, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the NM Optics Industry Association, Google, and the New Mexico Office of Workforce Solutions.

To participate, students must be residents of New Mexico; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; complete an application and essay; submit $10.00 (waived on request); and be Hispanic or Native American or relate to Hispanic culture.

To learn more about the Hispanic Youth Symposium in New Mexico, visit http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-new-mexico.

For information on how to sponsor the Hispanic Youth Symposium, call Kathryn Grady at (202) 527-0372 or email her at kgrady@hispanicfund.org.

About the Hispanic College Fund
Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. For 15 years HCF has provided scholarships and, since its founding, has incorporated internship and mentoring programs for students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The result is a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics who are trained in the fields of business, science, technology, and math.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities.

Website: www.hispanicfund.org

About New Mexico Math, Engineering, Science Achievement
New Mexico Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement (NM MESA), Inc. is a non-profit organization and part of a national initiative promoting educational enrichment for pre-college students from historically under-represented ethnic groups. NM MESA prepares these students for college majors and careers in mathematics, engineering, science and related fields. NM MESA is a statewide program with year-round activities that include tutoring; academic, university, and career counseling; field trips; academic competitions; leadership development, summer programs; teacher professional development; and scholarship incentives.

Website: www.nmmesa.org

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Contact: Lisa Sandoval, Director of Communications, (202) 296-5400 ext. 117

PHOENIX, AZ - Raul Yzaguirre, Presidential Professor of Practice in Community Development and Civil Rights at Arizona State University and former President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), will chair the upcoming Phoenix Hispanic Youth Symposium to be held July 16-19, 2008, at Arizona State University’s West Campus. This inaugural symposium will provide 200 students from throughout the region with the information about preparing for college and professional careers. The Hispanic Youth Symposium is presented by the Hispanic College Fund, in partnership with the AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute (AGUILA).

“This is an event I am proud to participate in,” said Yzaguirre. “It is vital that our young people prepare for their future, continuing their education and preparing for careers in fields that are key to our future economy. This symposium will help them realize that college is not an impossible dream; that they can attend college and succeed. Many are the first in their family to be able to reach their goal of a college education and a well-paying career.”

The four-day symposium will provide the high school students with essential information about college and professional careers in business, science, technology, engineering, and math through workshops, inspirational mentors, and leadership opportunities. Attendance at the symposium includes a year-round follow-up program to further assist the students with preparing for college and careers.

“We are honored to have Raul Yzaguirre join us at the symposium as chair and keynote speaker. He is an icon in the Hispanic community, known for his civil rights advocacy for Latinos throughout the nation. As head of the NCLR, Raul inspired countless young Latinos and Latinas to go on to serve in state legislatures, shine in academia, and become leaders in both the public and private sectors,” said Fernando Barrueta, Hispanic College Fund CEO.

While Hispanic students in Arizona have received scholarships from the Hispanic College Fund in the past, this is the first time they will be able to attend a local symposium geared for them.

The program enjoys widespread community support. AGUILA is partnering with the Hispanic College Fund as the regional symposium host to raise community awareness about the benefits of the initiative, produce the symposium, recruit students, and coordinate year-round educational programs. Arizona State University is subsidizing the cost of meeting space and dorm rooms.

Sponsors of the program include the Helios Foundation, Arizona State University, Wells Fargo, General Dynamics C4 Systems, the Maricopa Community College District, SCF Arizona, Salt River Project, Frito-Lay, Google, Jobing, the Social Security Administration, and Talon Community Services.

To participate, students must be residents Maricopa County; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; complete an application and essay; and be Hispanic.

To learn more about the Hispanic Youth Symposium in Phoenix, visit http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-phoenix.

For information on how to sponsor the Hispanic Youth Symposium, call Kathryn Grady at (202) 527-0372 or email her at kgrady@hispanicfund.org.

About the Hispanic College Fund
Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund provides Hispanic high school and college students with the vision, resources, and mentorship needed to become community leaders and achieve successful careers in business, science, technology, engineering, and math. For 15 years the Hispanic College Fund has provided scholarships and programs to students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, establishing a career pipeline of talented and career-driven Hispanics.

The Hispanic College Fund has an annual budget of $6 million with 20 full-time employees. In 2006, the Hispanic College Fund received the Brillante award for “Nonprofit of the Year” from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and in 2007 was recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top 25 charities.

Website: www.hispanicfund.org

About the AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute
The AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute (AGUILA) is a unique college access program for Latino and Latina youth that helps to build a web of support through consistency and powerful messaging. Students begin AGUILA as high school juniors, attending monthly seminars focusing on personal growth, leadership and college preparation for continuation into AGUILA’s intense senior program.

Participation in the Phoenix Hispanic Youth Symposium will provide sophomores the opportunity to join AGUILA in the spring of 2009 as part of AGUILA’s vision to ultimately serve high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Seniors continue to meet once a month focusing on college admissions and funding as well as participation in activities that promote cultural heritage, academic success, civic engagement, leadership, positive self-esteem and healthy relationships. Seniors are honored at a special celebration in May of each year, marking their rite of passage from high school to college in the AGUILA Honors Convocation. AGUILA then provides follow-up and continued support for students through the AGUILA Alumni Association as the students matriculate through college.

Website: www.aguilayouth.org

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Contact: Lisa Sandoval, Director of Communications, (202) 296-5400 ext. 117