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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
March 4, 2015 Camila Gallardo
cgallardo@nclr.org
(305) 215-4259
March gathering unites Latino students from across the United States for a unique experiential learning opportunity
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On March 4–6 at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., NCLR (National Council of La Raza) will host visiting Escalera Program participants from throughout the country during the Escalera Summit and Líderes Congreso, a part of the 2015 NCLR National Latino Advocacy Days. Since its inception in 2001, the NCLR Escalera Program has worked to improve educational and career outcomes for Latinos. Conceived to address the lack of culturally relevant program models that meet the specific challenges faced by many Latino students, the program provides resources to boost high school graduation rates and postsecondary enrollments, ultimately assisting young Latinos in carving out a successful career path. By implementing a college and career readiness curriculum with a national network of community-based organizations and charter schools, the Escalera Program has helped hundreds of students throughout the country reach their academic and career goals.
“Through participation in these events, Escalera students receive an introduction to basic advocacy skills, tour the Capitol, meet with legislative leaders and their staff and visit the national monuments. Many students have never travelled outside of their home cities or states before. We believe this is an outstanding learning opportunity that rewards hardworking, committed Escalera students and broadens their horizons,” said Margaret McLeod, Ed.D., Deputy Vice President of Education and Workforce Development, NCLR.
Late last year, NCLR partnered with D.C.-based Affiliate organization Latin American Youth Center (LAYC)—whose mission is to empower youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood through comprehensive, innovative programs that address their social, academic and career needs—to host 32 high school students visiting D.C. through the NCLR Escalera Program. Through the Monumental Scholars project, selected LAYC students learned public speaking skills, developed research techniques and were trained in customer service, planning, coordination and team-building. The program trained young participants to serve as tour guides for visiting Escalera participants during the March convening, and they will be paid an hourly stipend.
“We are very fortunate to have been able to partner with NCLR to provide this unique experiential learning opportunity. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of peers, build their leadership and public speaking skills and acquire real-life work experience,” said Ana Hageage, Director of Workforce Investment, LAYC.
Escalera participants include students from California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Oregon, New Mexico, Tennessee and Florida.
Press wishing to cover any portion of the event should contact Camila Gallardo at cgallardo@nclr.org or (305) 215-4259.
NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.
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