Latino League Wants Community To Connect

WASHINGTON – Broadband for America (BfA) and the League of United Latin American Citizens have partnered to expand broadband Internet technology training to underserved Latino communities throughout the United States. BfA is a coalition of more than 300 companies and organizations that dedicate their efforts to expanding broadband use as a key to greater prosperity for all Americans.  The three-year, nearly $120,000 grant by Broadband for America will support three existing technology centers that will focus on English-language acquisition, financial management and workforce development. The first center to be re-launched this fall will be LNESC Corpus Christi. The opening celebration will be held on September 20, 2010.

 The technology center will offer fully-equipped, classroom-style settings, including computers, with free of charge Internet access, printers, video conferencing and other telecommunications equipment.  The technology center will be staffed by a bilingual program coordinator who will develop the LULAC-designed curriculum to better serve the needs of the community.  LNESC Corpus Christi is part of LULAC’s Empower Hispanic America with Technology Network that currently provides broadband access free of charge to 100,000 visitors annually.

 “I applaud the partnership formed between Broadband for America and the League of United Latin American Citizens as it demonstrates a real and lasting commitment to broadband adoption in the Hispanic community.  Both BfA and LULAC agree that increasing the number of Latinos using the Internet is a critical step forward to educational advancement and economic independence that will benefit our nation as a whole,” said Michael Powell, honorary Broadband for America co-chair.

 “LULAC is proud to partner with Broadband for America to bring state of the art Internet access to Latino communities,” stated Margaret Moran, LULAC National President. “Our organization was founded in Corpus Christi 81 years ago with the goal of expanding opportunities for Hispanic Americans. I am delighted that we continue to fulfill our founders’ vision using modern technology and the support of our members and partners.”

 Broadband for America teamed up with LULAC to create the centers based on the needs of the community, and the recognition of LULAC as a trusted partner of the Latino community.