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U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today renewed the department's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic students by signing an agreement with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). The announcement was made at HACU's annual Capital Forum in Washington, D.C.

"We must open the door to postsecondary education for more Hispanic students and take steps to ensure that they have the skills, confidence and resources to complete their studies," Secretary Paige said. "Today, I am pleased to sign an agreement that will strengthen our partnership with HACU to fulfill our shared goal of increasing educational attainment for Hispanic youngsters and preparing them for the demands of the 21st century."

"This historic partnership promises to open new doors to academic success for our country's youngest and largest ethnic population," said Antonio R. Flores, president and chief executive officer of HACU. "The presence of U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige at today's signing of this new Memorandum of Understanding is a welcome sign of his leadership and commitment to all of our diverse communities of learning. We applaud Secretary Paige for his support of our students."

The agreement, or memorandum of understanding, is designed to coordinate activities to increase employment and educational opportunities at the U.S. Department of Education for students and educators of HACU member institutions, and to target resources to strengthen the educational and research capacity of HACU member institutions. Initiatives encouraged through the agreement include:

• Department internships for Hispanic college students through HACU's internship program;

• Opportunities for representatives of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) to serve on department advisory boards and commissions;

• Employment opportunities for students, graduates and faculty at HSIs;

• Agreements with HSIs to promote research in areas of mutual interest;

• Special programs, forums and workshops for increasing student achievement for Hispanic postsecondary students; and

• Opportunities for department employees to work temporarily at HSIs and for faculty members of HSIs to serve on a temporary basis at the Education Department.

As part of the agreement, the department and HACU will establish a joint leadership group to coordinate partnership activities.

"Through the broad, bold reforms of No Child Left Behind, we are closing the achievement gap for low-income and minority students so that all of America's children will be prepared to go on to and succeed in postsecondary education," Secretary Paige said. "The agreement we sign today provides additional support and commitment to improving the academic and professional achievement of Hispanics in postsecondary education."

HACU is a national, non-profit organization representing 265 colleges and universities with significant Hispanic enrollment. Most of these schools qualify for funds under Title V of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, a program designed to enhance academic quality, faculty and facilities at these colleges and universities. President Bush's proposed FY 2005 budget requests $95.9 million for the program, a 40 percent increase since the president took office.

The No Child Left Behind Act is the bipartisan landmark education reform law designed to change the culture of America's schools by closing the achievement gap, offering more flexibility, giving parents more options and teaching students based on what works. Under the act's strong accountability provisions, states must describe how they will close the achievement gap and make sure all students, including those who are disadvantaged, achieve academic proficiency.

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