Specialized Technology Lab to Offer Latino Youth Exposure to STEM Education and Career Opportunities
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) April 16, 2016 -- The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), with the support from the General Motors Foundation, opened the expansion of the technology lab at Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) Community Center today. LULAC and the GM Foundation provided CPLC with state-of-the-art technology and resources for STEM-related programs. Youth and community members will have access to additional computers and specialized software and workshops offered free of charge.
“We are proud of this partnership because it helps us close the digital divide that exists in Latino communities,” said LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. “These resources in particular will provide Latino youth with important information on STEM careers that help encourage students to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities in STEM-related courses.”
Phoenix is the third city to launch a LULAC EHAT center with support from the GM Foundation. Additional cities where technology centers have opened include Waukegan, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Austin, Texas; and Arlington, Texas.
“STEM education and outreach is a pillar for General Motors,” said GM Director of Global Product Development Jim Stanfill. “Using GM Foundation funds to build this technology center in Phoenix will provide a place where GM can share its industry knowledge and innovations and help prepare a workforce for the future.”
This effort is part of LULAC’s Empower Hispanic America with Technology (EHAT) initiative, which focuses on closing the technology gap in underserved Latino communities. New technology center equipment includes new desktops with high speed Internet, a state-of-the-art printer, a projector and a stipend for program coordination.
The ribbon cutting today featured remarks by dignitaries, a hands-on technology workshop with students from CPLC and GM vehicle OnStar technology and lunch.
“Our Community Center is located in a neighborhood where 41% of the families’ income falls below poverty level, compared to 11.5% countywide. Youth in underserved and struggling school districts typically lack access to technology labs, computers, and access to the internet,” said David Adame, President and CEO of Chicanos Por La Causa. “A continued lack of access to technology and technology careers can have serious economic consequences in these communities. However, we believe that education is the greatest economic equalizer. Therefore, we are thrilled to have partnered with LULAC and the GM Foundation in this very important effort that will have a long-standing impact in our community.”
About The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit http://www.LULAC.org.
About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit http://www.gm.com/gmfoundation.
About Chicanos Por La Causa
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) is a community development corporation (CDC) that provides services in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Since 1969, CPLC has been changing lives by developing self-sufficiency and instilling empowerment in those we serve. Our focus areas are economic development, education, housing, and social services. CPLC provides a better life through offering business and employment opportunities; ensuring everyone has the solid foundation of an education; providing hope through a pathway of recovery, restoration, and resiliency; and ensuring that a safe, secure, affordable home is available to every individual we serve. Today, we have 34 programs & services, 800 employees, and 60 offices, making CPLC the third-largest Hispanic nonprofit in the nation and the largest charity in Arizona. For more information, please visit http://www.CPLC.org.
Paloma Zuleta, LULAC, http://www.lulac.org, 202-812-4477, [email protected]
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