CHCI, AT&T Partner for College Readiness Program

CHCI today announced a $75,000 grant from AT&T to support its Ready to Lead college readiness program. Jerry Fuentes, AT&T State President of New Mexico and Arizona, presented the check at CHCI's Ready to Lead Washington D.C. program on Tuesday, September 14, 2009.

CHCI's Ready to Lead (R2L) program provides training that promotes leadership development among high school youth throughout the country. The training seminars offer young Latino students the necessary tools to grow as leaders in their communities by providing interactive sessions that focus on higher education, financial literacy, and leadership development.

"We're proud to support the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's Ready to Learn Program, which prepares Latino high school students and other aspiring young leaders to successfully complete high school and go on to college," said Fuentes. "Ensuring our young people finish high school successfully and prepared helps to ensure our ability to compete in the global workplace."

AT&T Partnership with R2L

More than 125 high school students from Washington D.C. metropolitan area schools were in attendance. Univision Noticiero Anchor Maria Elena Salinas addressed the morning session. MTV and MTV Tr3s' Carlos Santos and Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ-7) provided remarks at the luncheon.

"The program's curriculum is uniquely designed to engage youth at a critical life juncture, utilizing CHCI Alumni and peer leaders who identify with students' backgrounds, needs and interests," said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President & CEO.

Recently, CHCI announced a new partnership with actor Wilmer Valderrama to promote its Ready to Lead (R2L) college readiness program. Valderrama will serve as the official spokesperson for R2L, appearing at workshops, in public service announcements (PSA), and other media campaigns to promote higher education for Latino youth.

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. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.

Media Contact:
Scott Gunderson Rosa: (202) 548-5876