Los Angeles, Calif. — According to a recent study released by the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, 96 percent of the Hispanic parents surveyed expected their children to go to college, but researchers found 66 percent of the parents failed to answer four out of eight basic questions about what it takes to make college a reality for their family. The study indicates that Hispanic children are more likely to miss out on crucial steps leading to college unless these knowledge deficits are remedied.

The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans today took a first step to reverse these numbers and equip Hispanic families with the tools they need to help make a college education a reality for their children.

Commission members Rosario Marin, the U.S. Treasurer, and Latin recording artist Jon Secada unveiled a new and exciting bilingual Web site that provides parents with a one-stop center for information to increase college knowledge. Marin and Secada made the announcement at the Puente Technology Center. The launch is a nationwide grassroots effort, and includes a national public awareness campaign with the Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation on their 55 Hispanic-focused radio stations, to make these tools available to parents, educators and community leaders.

"All children, whatever their circumstances, deserve a chance to learn, achieve academic success, and have the opportunity to go on to college," said Leslie Sanchez, director of the White House Initiative. "YesICan.gov [www.YesICan.gov; www.YoSiPuedo.gov] offers parents and students resources on how they can make this a reality."

YesICan.gov provides information on the Myths and Facts about College Costs, 20 Questions to Ask Your Guidance Counselor, and Things You Need to Know About Paying for College. The initiative worked with collegeboard.com and Tormont Publishing to provide content.

In addition, the new mascot, Pablo the Eagle, will host www.YesICan.gov and encourage reading and educational advancement among the Hispanic community's youngsters.

U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige will make a direct appeal to every public school principal, every college and university president including Hispanic-serving institutions, as well as community technology centers asking them to make these tools available to their constituents.

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