MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contacts:
Lilia Santiago (415) 808-2320 LiliaS@hsf.net
Gabriel Reyes 512-686-1488 Gabriel@reyesentertainment.com
HSF URGES NCLR ATTENDEES TO SUPPORT LATINO COLLEGE ATTAINMET
LAS VEGAS, NV (July 10, 2012). Frank Alvarez, President and CEO of The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), welcomed HSF alumni and donor partners to a private reception, sponsored by Toyota, at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR)’s Annual Conference in Las Vegas, and urged attendees to support Latino educational achievement in order to ensure the United States remains competitive in the global economy.
In light of the nation facing a shortage of 3 million college degrees within the next 5 years, Alvarez said we must raise the current rate of Latino college attainment from a dismal 13% to 60% if we are to meet the workforce demands of the future. College degrees, he added, signify higher quality jobs, higher standard of living and $3 trillion in additional tax revenue for the country. And he reiterated the need to establish a tradition of higher education among Latino households.
Former HSF scholarship recipients were present at the reception, and Alvarez highlighted the impact they have in the community - like attending HSF Alumna Felicia Ortiz. The former HSF scholarship recipient now heads her own construction consulting business, and was recently featured as one of the 10 Hispanic Powerbrokers in Las Vegas in HispanicBusiness Magazine. Ortiz is now giving back by helping provide scholarships to college-bound Latino students in Las Vegas.
“I now give back to the HSF in any amount that I can,” said Ortiz. “And I urge all HSF Alumni to help the organization in any way they can. Here in Las Vegas, it costs over $200 a semester to take a single course in community college and I see students taking only one course because that’s all they can afford.” Ortiz urged HSF Alumni to support HSF via donations, mentorship and other resources available to them.
Alvarez also remarked on the vital role HSF donors like Toyota have in enabling HSF to provide scholarships to deserving students, and supporting HSF’s work towards placing a college degree in every Latino household.
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About Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund believes that the country prospers when all Americans have access to the opportunities a college education can afford. As the nation’s leading Hispanic higher education fund, HSF works to address the barriers that keep many Latinos from earning a college degree. To date, HSF has awarded over $360 million in scholarships and has supported a broad range of outreach and education programs to help students and their families navigate collegiate life, from gaining admission and securing financial aid to finding employment after graduation. HSF envisions a future where every Latino household will have at least one college graduate, creating an enduring impact on the college outlook of Latino families nationwide, and strengthening the American economy for generations to come. For more information about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund please visit: www.HSF.net.