DC Latino Leadership Initiative Announced
WASHINGTON -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation's premier Latino youth leadership development and educational organization, today announced its newest leadership development initiative, the "Young Latino Leaders in Washington, D.C. Program." CHCI also released the 6th Edition of its popular and highly-anticipated National Directory of Scholarships, Internships, and Fellowships for Latino Students. Both projects are supported by State Farm Insurance Companies.
In partnership with the Close Up Foundation, CHCI will launch the "Young Latino Leaders in Washington, D.C. Program" the week of June 26-July 1, 2011, bringing 20 high school students to the nation's capital for a one week, once in a lifetime, fully paid, civic educational experience. The program will select four students from each of the following five cities: Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. To qualify, students must participate in CHCI's Ready to Lead (R2L) program, an intensive one-day college readiness program that inspires Latino high school students to enter college.
"We look forward to hosting 20 talented young Latino high school students on Capitol Hill this summer who are eager to learn more about government and policy," said Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez, CHCI Chair. "We are also very proud of the new National Directory that lists thousands upon thousands of opportunities for Latino youth, whether they are looking for money to pay for college, intern in their field for a summer, or secure a fellowship after college graduation to gain a foothold in the professional world."
The Young Latino Leaders program will combine the Close Up Foundation's civic education and CHCI's proven leadership curriculum for Latino youth to expand CHCI's outreach to Latino high school students and increase its impact in the college readiness and leadership development arenas.
"For 40 years, Close Up has been dedicated to educating and inspiring young people from all backgrounds to understand and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This mission is critical to the health of our communities and our democracy," said Timothy Davis, President & CEO of the Close Up Foundation. "We are very excited to partner with CHCI and State Farm to provide this unique program opportunity that will help Latino youth develop the skills and attitudes to become the leaders of tomorrow."
"Mentoring, guidance and access to educational tools and leadership programs are key success factors for Latino college students," said Steve Aguilar, Operations Vice President for State Farm. "Our support of the R2L Young Latino Leaders in Washington program and the National Directory of Scholarships, Internships, and Fellowships for Latino Students reinforces State Farm's commitment to young people, their families and our community."
With more than one million downloads from CHCI's Web site over the past two years, CHCI's National Directory serves as a comprehensive listing and an invaluable resource guide for Latino high school and college students looking to secure opportunities in higher education and professional work experience.
About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders.
About Close Up Foundation
The Close Up Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501 (c) (3) organization that helps young people become active and engaged citizens. Since 1971, more than 700,000 students and teachers from across the country have participated on its Washington-based civic education programs and used its classroom resources.
