LULAC Launches Expansion of Education Initiative at the 84th National Convention Las Vegas, Nevada

LAS VEGAS, June 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) unveiled critical education initiatives to address the nation's drop out crisis at the 84^th National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.   

Congressman Steven Horsford, from Nevada, discussed STEM education; and Marco Davis, Deputy Director White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, reviewed education efforts in the Hispanic community.

Congressman Horsford at the press conference said, "Immigration and improving education are two sides of the same coin. Our immigration system throws talent away. As it stands, our country tells students that once they have finished studying here, they cannot stay. We even deny students who are here at no fault of their own the ability to attend college, start a business, or start a family. I want to change that, and to find new ways to invest in emerging fields in STEM education. If we make the investments we need in our children and young adults, we can make our country a better place to live for everyone while creating the jobs of the 21st century."

A critical initiative announced today is a partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund.  The program, Ford Driving Dreams Through Education, awarded a total of ten grants to local LULAC councils in New Mexico, Texas, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Ohio and Missouri. 

"Ford Driving Dreams Through Education has encouraged more than 700 students to stay in school, graduate on time and pursue higher education," said Joedis Avila, manager of community outreach, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "Programs like this help ensure young people have the education they need to one day compete in our global economy."

In addition, LULAC's educational arm, LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC), announced its partnership with Exxon Mobil Corporation on a scholarship effort specifically geared toward STEM focused curriculum.

"These initiatives empower community leaders to address the drop out crisis by using specific tools proven to work in their community and ensure Latino students have a jump start to their education," said LULAC National President Margaret Moran.  "With the tremendous demographic changes in our population, the only way the United States can win the future is if we address the needs of Latino youth and better incorporate their contributions—this country's fastest growing population group," added LULAC National President Margaret Moran.

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities.  Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC's programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future.  For more information, visit www.lulac.org.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and American heritage and community life. The Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. The award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life program teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through national programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and retirees each year work on projects that better their communities in dozens of countries. For more information, visit http://community.ford.com.

SOURCE League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)