H&R Block Joins National Movement to Help Millions of Latinos

CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New Futuro and H&R Block today announced a national partnership to help millions of Latino families across the country get their students into college. Through New Futuro's high-touch, high-tech education platform, the tax preparation leader will provide financial education, scholarship opportunities and valuable tax advice to school-aged Latinos and their families.

According to recent U.S. Census Bureau projections, by 2020 nearly 36 percent of the United States population 18 and under will be Latino.* This makes Latinos the largest and fastest-growing segment in the country. This rapid growth also comes with its challenges, as many working class Latino families face the reality of preparing, applying and paying for college. In fact, while 97 percent of Latinos identify education as the highest priority for their family, 87 percent identify lack of resources as a barrier to their higher education and career growth.** 

"We know that Latino families have the drive and the desire to go to college, but in many cases they lack the information, resources and social capital needed to succeed in college," said Peter Wilkins, co-founder and CEO of New Futuro. "We've partnered with H&R Block and other world-class organizations to help us create an unprecedented education community that will reach more than 15 million Hispanics in 2012."

To kick off its partnership, this fall H&R Block will participate and serve as the "Take Action" financial aid marquee sponsor in the New Futuro College Prep Fairs presented by Allstate. During the five city tour, H&R Block will award more than $12,000 in college scholarships, assist attendees with securing Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) and work with local New Futuro partners to offer students and families advice and options for paying for college.

"H&R Block's commitment to the Latino community has been important to our company. Partnering with New Futuro gives H&R Block the opportunity to utilize our resources and the expertise of our tax professionals to help Latino families and students plan and prepare for their future," said Diane Barkley, Director of Multicultural Markets for H&R Block. "Investing in education is an investment in the future of our country, and we are proud to be part of the New Futuro education community."

Select H&R Block associates are also participating in the New Futuro Hero Spotlight Series. The online and offline program showcases successful Latino professionals and allows them to provide both practical and educational advice, highlighting their own personal stories.

"We're thrilled to have H&R Block on board as our corporate sponsor. Their financial support will help us reach millions of Latinos, but equally important is the collective power of their people," said Marty Castro, co-founder and chairman of the board of New Futuro. "H&R Block employees are not only sharing their expertise as tax professionals, they are also helping Latino students believe and achieve their dreams by sharing their experiences of succeeding in life."

In addition to H&R Block, New Futuro is working with hundreds of other strategic partners to collaborate on a variety of initiatives that will help Latino families get their students into college and beyond. That list includes prominent organizations such as: the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, Teach for America and the New York City Department of Education. For more information about New Futuro, their partners or upcoming events, please visit http://www.NewFuturo.com.

* Projections of the Hispanic Population (Any Race) by Age and Sex for the United States: 2010 to 2050 (NP2008-T20); Source: Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau

** Pew Research Center: Between Two Worlds, Young Latinos Coming of Age in America, 2009. The Associated Press-Univision Poll - 2010.

About New Futuro
New Futuro is a socially innovative Hispanic education community helping families get their students into college and beyond. With their free, bilingual tools, resources and ongoing guidance and support, New Futuro is creating a pathway to success that is helping millions of Latinos achieve their educational and career goals. This innovative high-touch, high-tech, platform is bringing together hundreds of community, education, government and corporate partners to connect those that need help with those who can provide it. To learn more, visit www.NewFuturo.com or connect with New Futuro on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/NewFuturo) and Twitter (www.Twitter.com/NewFuturo).

About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 600 million tax returns worldwide since 1955. In fiscal 2012, H&R Block had annual revenues of $2.9 billion and prepared 25.6 million tax returns worldwide. Tax return preparation services are provided in company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by nearly 100,000 professional tax preparers, and through H&R Block At Home™ digital products. H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Online Press Center.

SOURCE New Futuro