The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans and some of the nation's leading Hispanic organizations, corporate leaders and national private entities have formed Partners in Hispanic Education, dedicated to improving education for Hispanics in the United States.

This partnership includes the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC); USHCC Foundation; MANA, A National Latina Organization; Girl Scouts of the USA; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU); National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP); State Farm Insurance Companies; IQ Solutions; League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR); United States Army; and the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP).

"The partners realize that there is no more significant cause to champion than education," said Adam Chavarria, associate director of the White House Initiative. "No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the most sweeping educational reform in more than three decades and the product of strong bipartisan support, provides the foundation and represents an unprecedented opportunity for all Hispanics -- our nation's largest minority group -- to attain a quality education."

The goal of this effort is to empower the Hispanic American community by equipping families with educational tools and informational resources afforded under NCLB in order to assist them in becoming stronger advocates for their children's education from early childhood to college completion.

The partners will work with local communities to reinforce positive expectations that include educational excellence, academic attainment, parental involvement and awareness, academic preparation, mentorship, engagement of the business community, accountability and enrollment in college.

To accomplish these goals, partnership participants have committed to host education programs in six pilot cities over the next several months. Each will involve a series of events including town hall meetings; educational workshops for parents, students, educators and business and community leaders; and a seminar on student financial aid and scholarships.

The first event is scheduled for Oct. 18 in San Diego, Calif. Additional pilot cities include Miami, El Paso, Texas/Las Cruces, N.M.; Tucson, Ariz.; Detroit; and the Bronx, N.Y.

More information on No Child Left Behind may be found on the U.S. Department of Education website at convpreview.ed.gov and the website for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans located at www.yesican.gov.

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