Hispanic Assoc. And The U.S. Army Join Forces To Serve The Hispanic Community

MOU Provides Framework for Collaboration Promoting Pathways to Education, Leadership and Career Options and Opportunities

SAN ANTONIO,  -- The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC) and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) today signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) providing a cooperative framework for serving the Hispanic community through Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) and Hispanic-Serving School Districts (HSSD). The MOU builds on the Army's long-standing partnership with HACU and supports the shared mission of providing opportunities for higher education and leadership development.

"The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and the U.S. Army are committed to improving educational opportunities for Hispanic students," said President and CEO of HACU, Dr.  Antonio R. Flores . "We've partnered with the Army to advance our collaborative efforts and objectives of serving our Hispanic youth and future leaders of this nation. This MOU agreement represents our mutual commitment to provide opportunities to better prepare Hispanic students for success in their chosen career path."

"The Army makes a considerable investment in providing opportunities for life-long learning, including access to higher education, training in cutting- edge technologies and real world experience. Our partnership with HACU helps ensure the Hispanic community is aware of and has access to the broad range of resources and benefits we provide for our youth," said Lieutenant General  Benjamin C. Freakley , Commanding General, USAAC. "Through this joint commitment, we're developing future leaders who will have the knowledge, confidence and diverse skills needed to keep our nation and our communities strong."

Specific areas of focus identified in the MOU include expanding test preparation resources for educators and students; building a comprehensive understanding of career and technical choices for students; collaborating on programs designed to increase awareness of U.S. Army resources available to Hispanics seeking higher education, career and leadership opportunities; and increasing HSI and HSSD understanding of the benefits and educational opportunities provided through Army service.

The MOU also outlines the Army's continued support of HACU's Annual Conference and of the HACU's innovative College Tour program, which brings high school students to universities to learn more about college life. The U.S. Army also will be presented as a HACU partner and resource to HSIs and HSSDs for college preparedness via U.S. Army College planning assessment tools, like March2Success and ROTC scholarships.

About HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is the only national educational association that represents existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the nation. Founded in 1986, HACU represents nearly 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America,Spain and Portugal. For more information, visit www.hacu.net.

About the U.S. Army Accessions Command

The U.S. Army Accessions Command, headquartered at Ft. Monroe, Va., is charged with providing integrated command and control of recruiting for the Army's officer, warrant officer, and enlisted forces. Designed to meet the human resource needs of the Army, the command is charged with finding and recruiting the highest talent to be developed as Soldiers and officers who will defend the Nation today and tomorrow.

    CONTACT:  Mayra Meza
    The Axis Agency
    Phone: 512-799-3342
    Email: mmeza@theaxisagency.com

SOURCE The U.S. Army