HACLA forms Partnership with Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute 

A non-profit organization, CHCI administers the Ready to Lead (R2L) program, which is designed to help more Latino students enter post-secondary education by motivating them to complete high school and empowering them to serve and lead in their communities.

Since 2009, HACLA has worked with CHCI to expose youth who reside in public housing communities to educational opportunities through the R2L program. 

“We are proud to partner with CHCI and look forward to the expansion of our partnership,” said HACLA President & CEO, Rudolf C. Montiel.  “We look forward to providing opportunities to give minority communities the possibilities for a bright future.  Education is a great equalizer and if young men and women pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, they are assured of never needing public assistance.”

The MOU will guide the two organizations to work in collaboration on the following goals:

•  Work collaboratively to increase the number of Latino students in the Los Angeles area that are exposed to  important information about college affordability, readiness and leadership
• Increase the understanding of the importance of college among Hispanic students
• Increase and promote a college and a career culture at every point of the education pipeline for Hispanic students.
• Inspire students for college attainment and share tools, information, and resources with Hispanic students about  college affordability, readiness and leadership.
•  To educate, encourage and support Hispanic students and families of high school graduation, college readiness, and enrollment and persistence in college.

One’s socioeconomic background should not play a part in whether a youth has a chance to attain higher education.   We will continue to work to bridge the educational gap through an array of activities including after school tutoring and educational trips; and now, with help from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, we will mentor our young residents, teaching them that attending college is an attainable goal.