By 2020, fully 20 percent of the nation s workforce will be Latino. Nationally, only half of Latino adults have high school diplomas. It is critical for higher education institutions to engage with businesses, communities, and schools to fulfill our obligation to meet the educational needs and expectations of all students, said Dr. William C. Richardson, president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Since the birth of our nation, education has been the key that opens doors to a rich and fulfilling future. Together, we can accomplish so much more than we can individually.
Specific strategies vary at each site.
In Tampa, Florida , student governments from high schools and colleges will together promote student leadership. In New Mexico , a partnership of the state s three largest communities will sponsor an Enlace Day at the state capitol. In Oxnard, California , a college television station will produce a college awareness campaign targeted to Latino families. The focus for Latino college students is on programs that will help ensure graduation through increased academic support and special attention to the specific retention issues they face. Efforts for middle-grades students will promote greater literacy and early awareness of college and careers.