tinyurl.com/suts-hyi <–registration

Are you enrolled in Montgomery College and could use $1000 or more to finance your studies?

Check out this scholarship by the Woman’s Bar Foundation, Inc.

DEADLINE: MAY 30, 2012

This opportunity is available to all Hispanic students, with or without documents.

Click here to access the application!

Update from JSA himself posted on the Facebook group this morning, March 16, 2012:

As of this moment I am logging into my Facebook to find countless videos, messages and friend requests. It is rather ironic to think that last Friday I was laying in a maximum security cell along with my father. However, today I find myself tasting freedom and seeing my face on everyones Facebook. In moments like these one realizes that nothing is impossible when one abides by their goals and maintains determined.
I would like to directly state that at first I found myself overwhelmed, however as the days settle i realize that this is perhaps the biggest thing that has ever happened to me and everyone around me. With this said, I need to let everyone know that this movement does not stop with simply getting me and my family out of jail, this movement is the beginning of something bigger that will benefit others in my same situation. Now as mentioned previously this movement is not Jorge Steven Acuna anymore, this movement is now targeting Justice for Students in America. With that said i challenge each and everyone out there to fully support this movement because there is no stopping us now, if JSA was able to free a family out of jail in four days JSA is capable of forever defending the youth from injustices. I want to invite everyone to rally on August 4th to demonstrate the world that together the youth can change laws, make change, and dream big. By creating a movement that is in the heart of the most powerful nation’s capital, we will represent the youth at an international level. I challenge each and everyone of you to not stop now but to begin working harder, this movement will benefit the lives of all the unrepresented youth, and the youth that just like me has huge dreams. On a final note i would like to say thank you one more time, but i would like to challenge everyone to work harder, because we are not worth simply one family but all the American youth.

Thank you each and everyone of you for everything you have done for me. Help me carry on this movement with your support, ideas, and determination to make this the biggest youth movement this country has seen.
Let the youth make a difference, let the youth have a voice, let #JSA be the difference that everyone has been waiting for. This is our time to make a difference.

 

Montgomery County Latino youth make history.
In this picture: Jorge Steven Acuña, his father and mother.

 

Here is a short clip from Sebastian Roa, one of the leaders of this movement.

 

by Karen Vanegas

After the efforts of Montgomery County young adults reached media and politicians, Northwest alumnus and Montgomery College student Jorge Steven Acuña, along with his parents, was released from Snow Hill Detention Center.

What started out in Rodolfo Espinoza’s basement soon became a trending topic around the county, literally. #JSA quickly flooded timelines as high school and college students took to their social networks to spread the word about this injustice.

Soon after, Julio Castillo created the Facebook group that allowed strangers to come together for a common cause; the group garnered more than 1,500 members in a matter of days.  Newsfeeds exploded with links to http://www.change.org/petitions/jsa. The link “changed” just yesterday to www.lethimstay.net, when David Moon purchased an URL to help make it easier to get the word around. And the word sure got around, to more than 6,000 people, as of March 13^th, 2012.

Cars were painted, shirts were made, phones were dialed, interviews were taking place, videos were produced, meetings were occurring, flyer were distributed, sidewalks were chalked up and strangers were becoming friends. The power that this effort obtained in days is surreal.

Generacion Latina had the privilege to interview four crucial members of this movement, Julio, Melissa, Paola and Adrienne, this afternoon, just hours before Congressmen Chris Van Hollen released the following statement-

“I’m pleased that ICE reviewed the facts of the case and decided to release Jorge and the Acuna family and stayed their removal for a year. In light of the circumstances in this situation, it was the fair and humane decision.”

We must not forget that even though our primary goal has been accomplished, we still have a long way to go. With the momentum we have reached, we must continue to fight for Jorge and his family, to obtain legal status. Moreover, we must use the impact we have right now to bring light to this issue, an issue that affects many promising lives… We must be their voice.

We can make a difference. We can promote change. We already have proved that. So, why stop now? This is just the beginning.

The sentiments of this effort are as pure-hearted as they come. To Jorge’s family, to his close friends, to everyone and anyone who did anything to make Jorge come back home… THANK YOU!

With that said, please make this effort come to life tomorrow at the Acuña’s press conference, rally, and candlelight vigil. For more information, go to: http://casademaryland.org/press-release/1821-breaking-news-acuna-family-released-from-custody

—-

Don’t take our democracy for granted! Come out and get your voice heard by your congressional REPRESENTATIVE. Correct- he represents YOU and YOUR interests in Congress!

WHO: US Congressman Chris Van Hollen To Speak March 13 7 PM in Silver Spring. He presents “The State of Congress”.

WHERE: Our neighborhood at Silver Spring International School (Old Blair HS)

WHEN: Tuesday, March 13. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Spread the word to your friends and fellow constituents in Congressional District 8! It’s your chance to meet him in person and ask questions you want to have answered.

 

Si no la vieron pues se perdieron!!! Julieta paso por la capital el martes y nos asombro a todos los que fuimos a verla en concierto gratis en el Kennedy Center.  Se lucio con su talento musical tan versatil tocando la guitarra, el piano y acordion.  La instrumentacion estuvo excelente y el escenario hermoso!

Amig@s,

It’s September and Hispanic Heritage Month is here!!! Since I work for the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and may have access to a few neat resources I’d like to share with you all like this poetry slam to kick off el mes de nuestra cultura.

Enjoy!

 

In keeping with our cultural theme for Hispanic Heritage month I wanted to share a couple of clips from the HBO series Habla.

I love this one in particular because it celebrates the fact that in this country are just numbers. But don’t we hate being just a number?  Really, it gets at the culture of “meritocracy”that is unique of the U.S.  In other words, were start out with a clean slate, we are just a number and what really counts is out effort and personal merit, not our name or family reputation (which is often valued above personal merit in Latin America).

Enjoy!

No votes. Si no te importa la economía, la educación, el medio ambiente y el calentamiento global, la guerra en Irak, la crisis financiera, el desempleo, el sistema de salud o de inmigración, simplemente no votes. Ese es el mensaje de los grandes de Hollywood para nuestra generación.

Pero si te importa por lo menos uno de estos temas, ¡vota!

why go

My colleagues passed on a great website about going to college. It is by students and for students and I highly recommend passing it on to any high school students you know.

CHECK OUT: COLLEGE.GOV

What caught my attention are the reasons to go to college listed on the site. It’s not about just getting an education, there is so much more value found in that very pursuit. Here is what it says:

It can make a huge difference in your life — and your family’s. More education can open doors of opportunity, financially and personally.
boost your earnings

more education = more opportunity

find your passion

endless possibilities

prove your potential

you can succeed

grow with help and support

don’t go it alone

lift your family

create a legacy of success

• apply for admission
• start preparing now
• your college roadmap
• need more help?

what to do

Preparing to go to college can seem complicated. But if you break it down, it’s easier to understand. Use these pages to plan and organize your path to college or other postsecondary (“after high school”) education:
find schools

make the best match

take the tests

tips and guidelines

apply for admission

improve your chance of success

start preparing now

it’s never too early, or too late

your college roadmap

get a customized desktop or poster

need more help?

additional resources

how to pay

The resources are out there. Check out what kind of financial help is available, and how you can get it:
get the basics

financial aid 101

learn what’s available

grants, scholarships, loans and more

be money smart

get the most bang for your buck

apply for federal student aid

fast track to FAFSA

Epicentro Politico

Tuve el placer de conversar con Jose Luis Zamorano, conductor de Epicentro Politico y con mi colega y compatriota, Anita Galiano nos dirijimos sobre los obstaculos que enfrentan los jovenes en su educacion y al acceder a la universidad.

Pueden leer el resumen aqui:

Jóvenes que avanzan Las cifras que tienen que ver con la deserción escolar no son nada alentadoras, más de un millón de estudiantes abandonan la escuela…

Y claro, escuchen el podcast!

Great Wall of China

Where do I even begin!?

After eight days on a flash trip through China, I got a good taste for an entirely different part of the world.   From the moment we took our first ride out of our hotel and saw the Bird’s Nest until we stopped for one last view of the Great Wall at the end of that first day in Beijing, China amazed and amused us left and right.

Luckily, we had the best tour guide! Marco’s knowledge, humor and cultural insight made our experience as if on a magic carpet that transported us to thousand-year old sites where we could run wild with our imagination of cruel emperors, the concubines, and countless warriors ready for battle .

A civilization of over 5000 years continues to develop and modernize with a burgeoning desire to rise to the world stage.  You could see through the thousands of Asian eyes an optimistic outlook radiating national pride.

But before I take you through my discovery of China, let me give you an overview of what happened between November 16 and 25.

First I flew into Los Angeles to then catch a China Airlines non-stop flight to Shanghai with 170 other people.

The 14 hours I dreaded quickly passed thanks to the four movies I watched and the soothing naps after some of that complimentary wine

The most exciting part of the flight was seeing the first lights as we flew over Japan.  I could not believe Asia was only minutes away!!!  We landed in Shanghai and then took a short flight into Beijing.  Darkness fell, finally!, after crossing the International Dateline feeling like we had chased the sun for as long as possible.  My roommate, Letty and I were ecstatic as we arrived to Beijing so as soon as we settled in our hotel room (and took a few pictures of the luxurious new Crowne Plaza), we hit the sack and recharged for the full day that awaited us in a few hours. 

Day 1: Amazing gourmet breakfast in our hotel. The pastries, dried fruit, Chinese yogurt and crepes helped me start the right way.  Loaded the buses by 8:30am and we headed straight to the Temple of Heaven.  Next was the jade carving factory which had the largest collection of jade that comes from the northeast and Silk Road area of China.  After this we saw the Ming Tombs where 13 Ming emperors are buried and then drove to a Cloisonne factory, had lunch and then headed to our most awaited site: The Great Wall!!! We hiked it for two hours, stopping frequently to catch out breath and take in the views.

Day2: We covered the Summer Palace, built at the capricious orders of the Empress “the Dragon Lady”. The rest of the day included the pearl market, rickshaw ride through Huotong, a very old part of Beijing, sharing lunch with locals at their home, the Forbidden City and Tienanmen Square ending our night (at least for most folks) with Peking Duck dinner.  My roommate and I later went out looking for a Latin lounge but ended up at some kareoke sharing stories with some guys from Scotland.

Stayed tuned…Next is Suzhou

Bank of America Student Leader Program (Internship)

Who? Bank of America

What? Student Leaders Program

When? Deadline to apply is February 20, 2009

Where? More than 40 U.S. markets

Why? If you are a junior or senior in high school with a passion for improving your community, Bank of America would like to help you turn that passion into action. As a Student Leader, you will participate in an eight-week paid internship at a nonprofit/charitable organization and a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. (July 19 – 24, 2009) to gain valuable civic, social, and business leadership skills.

For more info, click on this LINK

You rarely come across scholarships such as Esperanza Fund. If you know any student graduating high school in the capital region who is an immigrant or was born to immigrant parents, this may be the scholarship for them!

This spring, the Esperanza Education Fund will award $5,000 two-year scholarships and $10,000 four-year scholarships to immigrant students in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, to attend public colleges or universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status.

Eligibility Requirements

* Must be born outside the United States or have two parents born outside the United States.
* Must be a graduating senior at a high school in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia.
* Must enroll full-time at an accredited public college or university in 2009-2010.

http://esperanzafund.org/scholarship.htm

Ford Motor Company CHLI Leadership Program.

Eight Hispanic students will be selected to become part of this exciting six-week internship program in Washington, DC.
The interns will be placed with Institutions and Members of Congress who share the goals of the Institute.

Apply: Friday, February 20, 2009.

Compensation: $2,000 stipend, laptop computer, housing and accommodations during stay in Washington, DC.

Eligibility:
•Be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents of Hispanic or Portuguese origin.
•Be enrolled in an accredited four year college/university or two year community college.
•Submit a completed application form, personal statement, legislative analysis, and resume, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts.
2009 applications can be downloaded from the CHLI web site at www.chli.org

Are you a college junior, senior or graduate student passionate about the local Latino community and non-profits?

This internship may be for you!

Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs
Grants Program for Summer 2009
The Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (OLA) was established in 1976 to serve as a liaison between the DC Government and the city’s Latino community http://www.facebook.com/l/;(http://ola.dc.gov). Today OLA reaches thousands through its community-based grants program, advocacy, community relations and outreach services targeted at Latino residents to ensure accessibility to a full range of health, education, housing, economic development and employment services.
We are currently seeking a bright, self-motivated, talented applicant to support the grants program this summer in running a grants competition and general administration of grants. This internship will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about grant-making, nonprofit management, the local Latino nonprofit community, and policy issues including the Language Access Act of 2004.
This is a paid 32 hour per week, 12 week internship. Start date is June 1st. The intern will:

• Assist the Grants Manager with grants competition process including but not limited to:
• Coordination of communications, presentations and delivery of technical assistance to nonprofit organizations.
• Analysis of grant proposals, work plans and quarterly grant reports for soundness and approval.
• Coordination and implementation of new grant program policies
• Assist in the development of copy and multimedia materials for office’s website and various communications.
• Research information related to local Latino issues and prepare reports based on findings.
• Research information related to capacity building resources for community-based organizations.
• Assist with the preparation of grant agreements.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• College junior or senior or graduate student.
• Proven superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish.
• Proficient with MS Office. Knowledge of Adobe CS programs, layout, graphic design, audio/video editing a plus.
• Proficient at research and analysis.
• Self starter and problem solver with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Able to set priorities and work individually or in teams.
• Outgoing, diplomatic, skilled at customer service and able to interface with nonprofit executives, government officials and the general public.
• Positive attitude and good sense of humor.

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to Ezequiel.Williams@dc.gov no later than May 21st.

Generacion Latina is making a comeback.  Montgomery Municipal Cable opened up its studio this year with new technology and a virtual set!!! The updates are really awesome and this means that the content of our shows has to be that or better.  This is why I wanted to cover a sensitive issue among women and highlight two key players in our community that are doing much to bring awareness:  V-Day and WEAVE

Don’t miss it on MMCTV:

Channel 16, airing Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10pm

Maryland residents should find this website fun and helpful:  Way2GoMaryland

A more general site to explore with testimonials and much more is www.college.gov

Highly recommend both!!!

Youth Grassroots Organizing Training–Apply NOW!  www.ssc.org

The SSC’s Student Environmental Leadership Trainings, are week-long peer-to-peer training programs led by the nation’s top youth organizers. Develop your grassroots organizing and leadership skills, network and bond with fellow students, engage in fun activities and enjoy tasty vegetarian cooking (the low carbon diet for the climate).  Not only will you come away changed, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be a FORCE for CHANGE!

See what past participants have to say.
LEARN to LEAD:
GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING: How to start and run an effective youth organization. We cover everything from recruitment, to running a meeting, to developing new leaders to ensure that your organization continues once you graduate.
CAMPAIGN STRATEGY & PLANNING: How to plan, implement, and run an effective environmental campaign. We use the Sierra Club Matrix to teach the most essential skills needed to effect real change. Later in the week you’ll get a change to practice your skills.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: How to define your message and get it across confidently and persuasively to the media, to fellow group members, and to the public.
GUEST SPEAKERS: Meet some amazing special guests–Sierra Club experts, leaders of the movement, and experts on various aspects of climate and energy justice.
Locations: With 9 locations in 2009, there is sure to be one near you!  APPLY NOW!

Washington State: June 21-28
Puerto Rico : June 27-July 4 (Participants must speak fluent Spanish).
New Mexico: June 28-July 5
Virginia: July 5-12
Illinois: July 6-13
Texas: July 19-26
New Hampshire: July 19-26
California: Los Angeles: July 19-26
Oregon: August 16-23

Cost of programs:
The subsidized cost of the program is set up on a sliding scale, from $200-300* (please pay what you can afford). This covers tuition, room and board, and local transportation to and from the site, and all the benefits of being a member of the Sierra Club, including the award-winning Sierra Magazine. ++Special Group Rate: 3+ people $150/person.++  Limited need-based tuition and travel scholarship assistance available.  APPLY NOW!

www.ssc.org

I never pass up an opportunity to travel, so when I got a call last Tuesday morning about attending the IAHMP conference in Zacatecas, Mexico I made a few calls and went home to pack. The, 24 hours later I was boarding on a flight to Mexico!
I hope these pictures bring you into my experience of Zacatecas.

Mexico

The following post has been adapted from the Hispanic College Fund August Newsletter.

Deciding on which colleges to apply to can be a challenge, but it is important to remember there is a right college for you and that with perseverance, you can find it. Understanding and taking the necessary steps towards discovering your perfect college will start you out on the right track, before you even begin the application process.
When to begin?

It is never too early to start your college search. It is suggested that students being thinking about colleges at the end of their sophomore year of high school, dedicate their junior year to college visits, and their senior year to the application process.
Where to begin?

When you take off on your college search, you may not know where to start or even what to look for; that is okay. You should begin by speaking with your school counselor; he/she can help you begin your college search and help you get an idea of what you are looking for out of your university. Your counselor can help you decide what aspects of a school are most important to you, including such as location, extracurricular activities, and academic programs. Meeting with your college counselor weekly will not only make you stand out, it will make it easier for them to help you during the college application process.
Using online resources:

Additionally, begin searching online for colleges that might interest you and find out what opportunities they have to offer you. Conveniently, the College Board has created a survey, called College Match Maker, which helps you rein in your interests and then lists colleges that fit your specific qualifications. Once you have narrowed your university choices, take the initiative and fill out online information request forms for each university in order to get on their radar and receive more information throughout the application process.
What NOT to consider when applying:

When applying to college there are several factors that you should not consider. Do not consider how much the application fee will cost; there are fee waiver forms for SAT’s, ACT’s, and college applications. Furthermore, just because a school is well known or popular does not mean it will be the best fit for you. It is not necessarily important to attend a college that is prestigious or expensive; it is what you get out of the college experience that counts. If you believe there are materialistic factors which are deciding elements, you should consider them after you have applied and have been accepted.

Informational websites:

To review the top 10 colleges and universities for medicine, business, law, and engineering programs: http://go.hbinc.com/?u=1270

College Board College Match Maker: http://tiny.cc/5ybAP

SAT Fee Waiver: http://tiny.cc/feewaiver

College Application Fee Waiver Form: http://tiny.cc/feewaivercollege

Are you a Latin@ in College pursuing careers in accounting and finance?
This is your chance to join the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting for free!

If you are a student with an expiring membership or would like to join the association, send your name and e-mail address with a statement of interest to the following Contact:

Send to: Julio Flores
Los Angeles Chapter President – ALPFA
Ph +1 213 533 3021
Email jaflores@kpmg.com

Pre-paid memberships will be filled within the next week as 37 chapters compete for these all over the country, so please respond as soon as possible if interested.

Muestra tu Herencia Hispana | Participa Enviando tu Foto – Yahoo! En Espanol

Posted using ShareThis

Currently showing on Generacion Latina is an interview I did with Johnny Yataco, President of the Washington Hispanic.  He heads one of the largest Spanish-language newspapers with wide distribution across the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area.

Spring is what I call deadline season. And that makes it one of the most stressful times of the year, especially when you are not prepared for what’s ahead—> FAFSA!!!

As I am working on an article about how to pay for college, I stumbled upon this PDF which may be helpful in terms of understanding the steps to complete the FAFSA application. I have noticed over the years that it has become less complicated to fill it out.  Maybe it’s just that I have done it so many times, I feels easier.

Either way! It’s worth trying to familiarize yourself early on before March comes around and the deadlines grow bigger and eat your brains in the middle of your sleep! Ok, that was a little bit too much, but come on- do you realize how horrible it feels to have missed the opportunity to get FREE MONEY to go to college? I do. I have missed a deadline or two in my day and you learn the lesson quick! So don’t let it happen to you. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and apply today!

If it is for college find it here!  CHA-CHING!

Every year, the Department of Education gives away some $96 billion dollars in financial aid.  Are you going to sit back and let other students take away a chunk of that which could be yours?  If you knew that you could get FREE MONEY to go to college, what would you do?

I think I would be willing to stand on my head all day, or give up my cell phone and texting for a week! Really! If it is free money, or borrowed, and I could buy college textbooks, or pay some of my tuition, I would do many things.  The nice thing to know is that for a chance (and I would say a good chance) at getting federal financial aid you don’t have to stand on your head. All it takes is an application: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What is FAFSA?

The FAFSA is an application used to determine how much your family will be expected to contribute towards your college education based on your financial information.  The amount determined by FAFSA is called Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and this information is sent to the colleges and universities of your choice to help them determine how much aid you can receive from them in addition to the government.

How much money can I get?

While some students get a ‘free ride’, others get any of the following types of financial aid:

Grants- free money you don’t have to pay back.

Loans- money you can borrow and pay back when you have graduated with interest (unsubsidized) or no interest rate (subsidized).

Work Study- work opportunities offered to college students to earn money to pay for their education.

What can I use the money for?

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Books and supplies
• Personal expenses
• Travel

Can I apply?

Yes! You are eligible if you:

• are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or an eligible non-citizen;
• have a valid Social Security Number;
• have a high school diploma or GED;
• are registered with the U.S. Selective Service (if you are a male aged 18-25);
• complete a FAFSA promising to use any federal aid for educational purposes;
• do not owe refunds on any federal student grants;
• are not in default on any student loans; and
• have not been found guilty of the sale or possession of illegal drugs during a period in which federal aid was being received.

Remember, time is running out and you do not want to miss this chance.  Schools will need this information as soon as possible and they are considering hundreds if not thousands of other students like you.

www.college.gov

www.MDgo4it.org

The other side of the coin is all the money offered through scholarships.  The wide majority of these are only open to students with residence or citizenship.  Therefore, in this piece, we feature the following becas for undocumented students that tend to go under the radar.

Chicano Organization in Research and Education- CORE Scholarship

• http://www.ca-core.org/scholarships
• Deadline: February 26, 2010

Mexican American Legal Defense Fund

• http://maldef.org/leadership/scholarships/general/
• Includes a list of scholarships, some apply for undocumented students

My last recommendation to survive this spring deadline season and find some greens for tuition: Get yourself a big calendar; one that is in your face every day.  Post the deadlines of every scholarship you plan to apply to. The first one that should be on there, marked and highlighted should be…FAFSA!  This will help you stay organized which is the first key strategy as you head on to college- the next and most exciting season of your life.

Tenemos un ‘update’ de una invitada de Generacion Latina y nos trae mucho orgullo a nuestra comunidad. Jimena Sierralta, nacida en Peru, y radicada en Virginia, se encuentra en Banica. Este prequeno pueblo en la Republica Dominicana y muy cercano a Haiti esta lleno de caritas alegres (como se los ve en el video) al compartir con los misioneros catolicos.

Banica Slideshow and Video from Sherwin Lau on Vimeo.

Jimena y todo el grupo que contribuye al desarrollo de Banica a travez de su servicio, ensenanza, catequismo, y su simple amistad. Felicidades chicos! Admiramos su fe, dedicacion y devocion a los mas necesitados.

Para aprender mas sobre la mision en Banica y los acontecimientos a travez del relato de Jimena, visita su blog: MissionaryInBanica

Young Latino men who decided NOT to join a gang.

Young Latinas who found ways to spend their days and avoided getting pregnant.

Padres y madres que encontraron informacion, aliento, esperanza.

Cientos de estudiantes que aprendieron el Ingles.

Estudiantes indocumentados que obtuvieron becas y entraron a la universidad.

Dozenas de estudiantes que lograron graduarse y continuar sus estudios universitarios en Montgomery College.

…

Podemos seguir y seguir enumerando las personas en nuestra comunidad cuyas vidas y exito se han realizado por la perseverancia y dedicacion personal de Teresa Wright como mentora y profesora de cientos de estudiantes en Montgomery County.

Mis memorias de ella me llevan casi 10 anios atras cuando estaba recien llegada a Maryland y conoci a la Sra. Wright como profesora de ESOL en Magruder High School.

Diez anios despues logre entrevistar a un ex-lider de la conocida pandilla MS-13. El me cuenta que gracias a la Sra. Wright, quien lo agarro por las orejas para que asistiera a un programa de Identity, Inc., el pudo dejar su vida de pandillero y dedicarse a hacer el bien influyendo a otros y renunciando a la pandilla.

Como este joven hay muchos otros quien pueden agradecer a la Sra. Wright por su guianza e influencia.  Muchos padres tambien se benefician de sus charlas comunitarias, y es muy importante que involucremos a mas padres dentro de esta red de padres quienes se nutren de la Sra. Wright y todo lo que tiene que brindar a nuestra comunidad.

Es por eso que hago un llamado a todo padre, madre e hij@ que juntos vean mi entrevista con la Sra. Wright y su colega Maria Garcia.  En Generacion Latina, este Viernes, Sabado y Domingo a las 10:00 p.m. | Canal 16, ellas compartiran consejos clave para poder apoyar a la juventud llegar al exito academico- comenzando con el aprendizaje del ingles hasta llegar a la universidad y obtener becas.

Mas importante aun es poder ir a verlas personalmente y participar de las charlas.  Padres si estan interesados en asistir a alguna de las charlas informativas de la Sra. Wright, no duden en contactarla!

Para contactar a la Sra. Wright, llame al 301.977.9049

Para contactar a la Sra. Garcia, consejera de Watkins Mill High, llame al 240.498.2891

 

About Teresa Wright:

Parent resource teacher and ESOL Hispanic alliance with the Montgomery County Public Schools.

Her role with the school system enables her to meet regularly with Latino high school students and educate them about higher education and career opportunities in the region. She recruits USG students and Montgomery College students to serve as ambassadors to speak with high school students about the advantages of 2+2 (two years at a community college and two years at a four-year institution) to obtain a baccalaureate degree.

No se pierdan la feria de trabajos para jovenes de 16-21 anos.  Se dara a cabo el 20 de Marzo en el campus de Rockville- Montgomery College.  Para mas informacion, visiten: http://www.letsgetitstartedyouthjobfair.com/

Mas detalles?  Encuentralos aqui: Youth Job Fair

After a flurry of high schoolers rush to get out of class at 2 pm every day at a Silver Spring high school, a group of Latinas stay after classes are done awaiting Jacilyn, their group leader from Community Bridges.  Each week they discuss what thoughts, ups/downs, aspirations and ideas they have with the group. All for the purpose of helping them succeed.

Yesterday I had the privilage to spend two hours with them and tell them about how I am making it as a Latina in the U.S.

Keep glowing chicas!

Well, not my quince, but how about yours!

Young ladies ages 14 & 15 are invited to join the Mis Quince Años 10-week program at the Langley Park Community Center culminating with a fabulous Quinceañera celebration later this spring.

Over the course of 10 weeks of preparation for the Quinceañera, the girls:

• Learn about workshops related to etiquette, dance, health and fitness, college prep, personal development and service projects.
• Embrace this cultural tradition and celebrate the journey from childhood to maturity with family, friends, music, food and dance!

Fees are only $50|resident and $60|non resident.

For more information call Lourdes Sulc at 301-445-4508 or check out the flyer:

Mis Quince Anos-REV ENG-SPA flier_card

Kudos to the team that makes it happen:

The Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Alpha Delta Graduate Chapter | Education 2000 | Rosa Walk – Eva Ward – Personal Development Instructor | Ernesto Reyes – Dance Instructor | Mis Quince Años M-NCPPC Committee | LPCC  Graduated Quinceañeras

College Juniors and Seniors, you still have a chance to apply to LOFT‘s Fellowship Program for Science and Engineering Students.

Send resume to LOFT@hispanicheritage.org.  MUST note ExxonMobil LOFT Fellows in subject line.  

DEADLINE: April 5th

ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest companies and America’s leading oil & gas corporation, has partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) to create one of the most distinguished fellowships in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) for Hispanic college students.   Through HHF’s LOFT program, ExxonMobil looks to nurture motivated  undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students across the country, with a passion for Engineering and Science.

Selected students will be exposed to a top quality company by participating in their world class mentoring program.  Each student will be paired up with one of ExxonMobil engineers/scientists to learn how their knowledge is applied in a corporate setting.

Fellowship components:

• Five 1-hour meetings with mentor (virtual or in person)
• Participation in the Harvard-certified ExxonMobil mentee program (on-line), an exclusive curriculum to introduce Fellows to the culture and vast career opportunities in the company
• Educational grant
•  The possibility to interview for ExxonMobil positions (internship/full time) upon successful completion of the Fellowship   

This opportunity is open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students with declared primary majors in:
Environmental Engineering 
Mechanical Engineering 
Computer Engineering  
Electrical Engineering 
Chemical Engineering 
Petroleum Engineering 
Materials Engineering 
Industrial Engineering
Material Sciences 
Civil Engineering 
Mathematics 
Chemistry 
Geology 
Physics  

Requirements:
Be a current sophomore, junior or senior in a 4 year college/university
Must plan to pursue a career in the fields/majors listed above  
Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher U.S. residency or citizenship
 
 
Opportunities available through the LOFT program are for Hispanic students only.  Others interested should contact the company’s website directly.

National Latina Health Network’s Emerging Leaders Health Institute 2010

The Emerging Leaders Health Institute (ELHI) proposes to build health leadership capacity among young Latinas, ages 18-25 years of age. Participants will travel to Washington, DC to meet and network with a variety of prominent Latina leaders. Participants will then coordinate a health leadership social action project in their community in Fall 2010.

As a result of participating in the ELHI, members will be able to serve as a resource to other young people and community organizations; build their own leadership capacity in health promotion and disease prevention; and promote NLHN”s mission of addressing the critical health concerns of Latinas and their families.

Applicants must:

• Be females between the ages of 18 and 25.
• Be able to attend the Emerging Leaders Health Institute’s Health Policy in Action Seminar in Washington, DC from June 22nd-26th, 2010.
• Have a demonstrated commitment to the Latina/o community.

Applications Due: April 19, 2010

Additional information and a link to the application can be found here: http://nlhn.net/programs.php?cl=p29

Are you a high school freshman or sophomore?

Want to spend four days on a college campus, meeting with Hispanic professionals and college students and learning about how to be successful in college, career and community service? The Hispanic Youth Symposium may be for you! Visit www.HispanicYouth.org to learn more about this program and to check your eligibility to attend.

Applications are due by March 31, 2010, go to www.HispanicYouth.org to apply now!

2010 Regional Symposium Invitation

The DC Latino Student Partnership invites all Latino students from across the Washington, DC area and the Northeast region for a day of insight, guidance and professional opportunities that will provide them with the tools necessary to get an edge in today’s competitive job market.

Join the 2010 Eastern Regional Collegiate Latino Symposium being held at The George Washington University on Saturday, April 24^th, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

 

Hurry and apply! DEADLINE is now JULY 1!

If you are a rising Senior in high school, you can’t miss applying for the HHYA, one of the most prestigious and exciting awards for Latino youth across the nation.

Speaking from personal experience as a HHYA alumna, this award opened so many doors for me and gave me the chance to meet leading Latino figures, including Soledad O’Brien, Romero Britto, Pitbull, Antonio Banderas and Don Omar!

 

 

 

Inspirate!

Como si fuera mi último día
Voy a luchar por mis sueños
Viviendo sin miedo
Y cada minuto, vivirlo intenso.
No voy a esperar hasta mañana, si el presente lo tengo

Have you ever had an intense experience that bonds you with individuals you might never get to meet or become close with?

Have you ever met so many inspiring people at once that it changed your life?

Have you ever seen vision, opportunity, potential, possibility, dreams and doors open for students who come to see success within their reach?

Outstanding leaders Estefany, Dalia, Chris & Missael

 

If you have, then you know what happens during four amazing days at the Hispanic Youth Symposium every summer across eight college campuses in Maryland, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California.

This college empowerment camp brings on 100-200 Latino high school students to a college campus for a collegiate experience that changes their lives.  Four packed days of workshops, team building activities, motivational acts by Latino leaders and the beloved comedian Ernie G. engage students to realize that college is possible, careers possibilities are endless, and that obstacles can be overcome- you don’t have to drop out, get pregnant, join a gang, and become another statistic.

Tita & Daniel - Leaders behind the Maryland Hispanic Youth Symposium

 

Generacion Latina supports the vision of the Hispanic Youth Symposium and this month we’ll be airing a two-part series featuring Maryland participants Estefany, Dalia, Chris and Missael.  During the second show, we discuss the perspective of volunteers and program leaders through the experience of a symposium champion and dedicated Latina leader since 2008- Tita Flores along with the HYS Director Daniel Sarmiento.  Both are an inspiration to me and the hundreds of students they have met over the years.

Daniel provided us with a great resource for scholarships (including financial resources for “Dream” students). Check it out! http://institute.hispanicyouth.org/helpful-sites/college/

To learn more about the HYS go to http://institute.hispanicyouth.org/home/

Applications for the 2011 symposiums go live in December so stay tuned!!!

 

 

The student movement that is stirring up waves for the passing of the Dream Act is becoming loud and clear across the country as the immigration debate steams up again.  We’ve seen warriors out there like Trail of Dreams students who walked thousands of miles to get their voices heard. What are they after? What are we for?

a dream:: to pursue opportunities in the U.S.- a country they were brought to as minors without documents.

a dream:: scholarships, a college degree, a career, higher-paying jobs

a dream:: to live without fear of deportation

a dream:: to vote

a dream:: to join the military

a dream:: to belong

I have met countless of “Dreamers” who feel more American than many U.S.-born citizens because they came at elementary school-age and have embraced every core value of this great country to become 18 and realize that their reality on paper stifles their pursuit of their dreams as professionals and active members in our community.  While most have remained in the dark, a number of courageous individuals have made their voices reach Capitol Hill and I am personally convinced that if we do not give up, if we continue writing to our congressional representatives, demonstrating on the halls of legislative leaders, and calling on the support of the media and our communities involving people of all colors, ethnicity, religions and educational levels, we will see this legislation pass.

In the meantime, as students continue to overcome obstacles, keep yours heads held high with the hope that in some parts of the country, your dreams are becoming realities.

Last week, Daniel Sarmiento shared this important set of links to scholarships you can apply for: http://institute.hispanicyouth.org/helpful-sites/college/ –Courtesy of the Hispanic Youth Institute.

Wondering which states are friendly to undocumented students pursuing higher education? Click on the image below to enlarge:

—-

If you are wondering what you can do now to help our country before we loose human capital in the thousands by keeping talented aspiring professionals in the dark, all it takes is a simple letter of support to your congressional representative. Write to them NOW!

If you have a story to share, please e-mail me at carolina.penadc@gmail.com and I will write to my congressmen and congresswoman on your behalf. You have my promise.

by J.R. Gonzalez

It’s 9:00 AM in Washington, DC. The temperature begins to rise rapidly, typical of any humid summer morning in the district. Seven high school students have been awake since 6:00 AM. They made their way into the city from as far as Baltimore, Maryland and are anxiously waiting for the doors of the Pennsylvania Avenue PNC Bank to open. Behind them: the north portico side of the White House. As the bank opens, they are welcomed into a historic board room and the group sits and waits.

What brings a group of 15 to 20 year old Baltimore-Washington area students together on a summer morning while their peers are still sleeping and hoping to hit the pool? NHPO.

When recent University of Maryland graduate and NHPO member Carolina Peña approached some of the high school students she mentored about the idea of forming a NHPO Youth Chapter, Dalia Garcia, 15, and Estefany Chalas, 17, loved the opportunity and ran with it. Enthused, they spread the word to other students they had met during the 2010 Hispanic Youth Symposium, a week-long college empowerment camp tailored to Latinos, and within a week the students were ready to convene and learn more about NHPO.

J.R. Gonzales, NHPO National President, did not hesitate to assist Ms. Peña and dedicated many hours to getting to know the students while touring the Library of Congress, the Capitol, the National Press Club, the Newseum and the White House. During one occasion, Mr. Gonzales arranged for the burgeoning chapter to have its first Board Training at the historic branch of PNC Bank (formally headquarters of Riggs Bank) directly across the street from the Department of Treasury and the White House. In the course of one morning the students learned how to run a meeting through an agenda and the finer points of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Elated, the students returned home to build momentum and share their experiences and photos on a newly created NHPO DC Youth Chapter group page on Facebook. Estefany Chalas, a Generacion Latina guest and co-producer, posted on the Chapter group page on Facebook: “I just wanted to share how excited I am to be a part of this new beginning. I know that each and every one of you have sooooo much to offer the world. I believe we could DO ANYTHING IF WE WORK TOGETHER.”

Missael Garcia, 20, posted: “Last Wednesday was great because we had the honor to meet a great person, J.R Gonzales. I enjoyed having him around because we gained some of his knowledge. It was really interesting to know how the United States became the great country it is now. When we sat down to discuss about creating NHPO I felt like those 13 men who sat down and decided to make one country: the United States of America. I have hope that we will grow just like America, I’m really looking forward to this.”

As school doors open and the students go back to class, they look forward to meeting every month and incorporating as an official NHPO chapter in the coming weeks. Stay tuned and follow them on Facebook.

Article published via iHispano: http://www.ihispano.com/forum/nhpo-starts-a-dc-youth-chapter

Join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this Saturday in Rockville!

No te lo pierdas! Este Sabado de 4-7pm en Rockville Town Square.

Generacion Latina host to MC the event.

During Hispanic Heritage month, we took the discussion of cultura from Ariel Fernandez Diaz, one of my favorite DJs in DC promoting Afro-Cuban culture and music.

Ariel is the most culturally informed and opinionated DJ you will find. His expertise expands over decades playing a pivotal role in the shaping and documenting of Cuban hip-hop music. Ariel makes us aware of of the amalgam between Cuban politics and culture in Cuban rap music…or as Ariel calls it, rather, a “revolution within a revolution”.

Check out a short clip of his commentary and don’t miss watching the last two air dates tonight and Sunday, October 10th at 10 pm.

Gracias Ariel!

I have never seen a young Latino under 20 as visible and applauded by elected officials as Jonathan Jayes Green. With only five years in the U.S., this young Panamanian, is going places! High places!

If you get a chance to watch him on Generacion Latina, I hope you see why he was deserving of the Hispanic Heritage Month Gala’s Poder Con Ganas award granted by the Maryland Democratic Club.

Felicidades Jonathan!!!

To find out more about the scholarships he mentioned during the interview, find who your state representative is via http://mdelect.net/electedofficials/

And once you find out who are your three delegates and your state senator, you have to contact their office asking for the scholarship application. Here is the list of all Maryland reps and their contact information:

http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/hseal.html

As if all he mentioned on Generacion Latina was not impressive enough, I thought I’d share his bio with you all:

Jonathan was born in Panama and moved to the US with his family about 5 years ago, and has recently graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in this year’s spring of 2010. Being the dedicated and scholarly achiever that he is, he was the recipient of the Congressman Van Hollen’s Public Service Award and because of his extensive community involvement, obtaining over 1,000 community service hours; the Wheaton and Kensington Chamber of Commerce’s Kennedy High School recognized him as community service student of the year. In further acknowledgment of his accomplishments, Jonathan interned for
Montgomery County Councilwoman Nancy Navarro, and has most recently worked as a volunteer with the Hans Reimer for County Council campaign along with helping Latino voters register with the Hispanic Democratic Club.

Jonathan was selected among hundreds of applicants to join the Montgomery Scholars Program at Montgomery College and is interested in pursuing a career in politics to continue serving his community. He currently interns for the Maryland Democratic Party’s Latino Leadership Council under the leadership of Jessy Mejia, and with his political involvement, it’s assured we’ll be hearing more from him!

By Carolina Pena & Kelly Ventura

Presentation of 2010 HCF Scholars during Portrait of Success Gala

Last week I had the honor of emceeing the Portraits of Success Gala of the Hispanic College Fund.

Given my heart for young Latinos, I was truly humbled to have the stage at this stunning event sharing the evening with donors, friends, sponsors, scholars and staff, all of who recognize the necessity of investing in the development and educational goals of this promising and fast growing segment of the population- Latino youth.

My first contact with the HCF was the morning I went to pick up my younger brother from the Virginia 2006 Hispanic Youth Symposium at Marymount University. It didn’t take long before I was in tears as I watched him receive accolades for his participation in the program. The passion and determination I observed in students during that farewell ceremony captivated my attention and I became adamant about becoming involved with the program.  In 2008 and 2010 I participated as a Resident Advisor, and became like a mom to the eight girls in my familia for the DC and Maryland Hispanic Youth Institutes.  Time and time again, this experience never fails to become the highlight of my year.

My familia girls during the MD Hispanic Youth Institute 2010 | Photo credits: Daniel Merino

I jump at the opportunity to partner with an organization like the HCF, but don’t be mistaken. There are countless others who lay down their lives to come alongside Latino youth, motivate, mentor and inspire them to achieve. Fellow RAs like Ivan who passed up a job opportunity to be a leader among other RAs. Like Andrea whose home in Tennessee was flooded and sought to escape the disaster in her region by serving at the symposium; and countless more whose immigration status stifles their pursuit of their dreams but still invest in students like themselves with their own dreams.

Fellow familia leaders- MD Hispanic Youth Institute 2010 | Photo credits: Daniel Merino

 

Cindy Uruburo at the Hispanic College Fund gala, speaking on behalf of the 2010 class of scholars from across the country. | Courtesy of the Hispanic College Fund.

Considering Cindy graduated with 1,250 community service hours and 26 college credits worth of AP courses, I think her advice to high school students carries quite a bit of weight!

Cindy’s insight on bullying prevention, academic achievement in high school and extra curricular experiences bring her to a successful launch of a promising college career at the University of Maryland, College Park (my alma mater ) .

Watch Cindy on Generacion Latina- November 12-14 @ 10pm on channel 16th and take note of the scholarships websites she used while in high school:

http://www.students.gov/STUGOVWebApp/Public

http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp

https://apply.hsf.net/applications/

http://www.fastweb.com/

http://www.hispanicfund.org/

On Generacion Latina tonight!

Molly Love, TAYA Health Connection

Molly comparte la variedad de servicios de salud que TAYA ofrece en Silver Spring y Gaithersburg, MD.

Y aqui les va los recursos que les prometi:

English:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/

http://kidshealth.org/teen/

http://www.sexetc.org/

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/

http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/espanol/default_eng.aspx

http://www.childrennow.org/index.php/learn/talking_with_kids/

http://www.parents.com/parents/

http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/parents/default.aspx

http://www.familiesaretalking.org/

http://www.4parents.gov/

Espanol:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/centers/spanish_center_esp.html

http://kidshealth.org/teen/centers/spanish_center_esp.html

http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/espanol/default.aspx

http://www.4parents.gov/espanol/

 

Lucia and Natalia are students at Montgomery Blair High School, but don’t let their young age fool you.  They have a number of years under the belt in the fight against discrimination, racism, HIV and AIDS.

Don’t miss Generacion Latina this December 4, 5, 6, 17, 18 and 19 @ 10pm and watch Lucia and Natalia share about what motivates them to help others in the community while they  make strides to succeed in high school despite the obstacles and distractions.

Are you interested in discussing issues of diversity, social justice, teen health, etc.  Inspirate and get involved! Check out the organizations the sisters mentioned:

Lucia

Metro Teen Aids

202-543-8246

Organization dedicated to preventing HIV infection among young people in the Washington DC metro area.

 

Diversity Workshop- At Blair High School.

 

Natalia

Student Emerging Leaders Program

Karen_L_Crawford@mcpsmd.org or 301-670-1419

Natalia Campos is pictured here among 50 other Hispanic emerging leaders, including Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's Public Policy Conference, 2010.

 

City at Peace

202-399-7993 x156

City at Peace is a youth development organization located in Washington, DC that uses the performing arts to teach and promote cross-cultural understanding and non-violent conflict resolution. With an emphasis on youth-led programs and artistic excellence, the organization challenges participants to effect positive community change in pursuit of a city at peace.

Crunchy numbers

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Minty-Fresh™.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has 296 steps to reach the top. This blog was viewed about 1,100 times in 2010. If those were steps, it would have climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa 4 times!!!

In 2010, there were 27 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 73 posts. There were 54 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 36mb. That’s about 1 pictures per week.

The most popular post that day was Hermanas Campos fighting for social justice.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1. Hermanas Campos fighting for social justice December 2010
2. 2010 Summer Programs March 2010
3. La Blogger March 2010
4. Cooltura! March 2010
5. Latinas that GLOW! March 2010

Señoritas entre las edades de 13 y 15 años están cordialmente invitadas a inscribirse en el programa Mis Quince Años. Participa en talleres de etiqueta, baile, salud y bienestar físico, preparación para aplicar a la universidad, desarrollo personal, además de proyectos de servicio a la comunidad.  Prepárate para una magnífica celebración primaveral de Quinceañera. Clases comienzan el lunes 28 de febrero en el centro comunitario de Langley Park por 8 semanas consecutivas (lunes y jueves, 7-8:30 pm.) Inscríbete para el curso #410118 utilizando SMARTlink.

Obtén más información sobre el programa en el “open house” GRATIS el martes, 8 de febrero de 6:30 a 8:30 pm en el centro comunitario de Langley Park (1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, 20783.)

¡Inscríbete y haz tus sueños realidad! Costo del programa es de $75/persona para residentes y $84/persona para no-residentes. Llama al 301-408-4336 para más información.

***************************************************************

Young ladies ages 13-15 are invited to sign up for the Mis Quince Años program! Participate in workshops (etiquette, dance, health & fitness, college preparation, and personal development) and a service learning project. Prepare for a magnificent spring Quinceañera celebration. Classes begin Monday, February 28 and meet at Langley Park Community Center for 8 consecutive weeks (Mondays & Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm). Sign up for SMARTlink course #410118. Learn more about this program at a FREE open house for young ladies and their families that’ll be held on Tuesday, February 8, from 6:30-8:30 pm at the center. Sign up and make your dreams come true!  Program fees are $75/person for residents and $84/person for non-residents. Call 301-408-4336 for more information.

–

Cortesy of Lourdes Sulc.

Scholarship in Memory of Brandon Goodman

The scholarship is available to students in high school and also students currently enrolled in college. You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, be a U.S. citizen or an international students that is enrolled in school in the USA.

You must submit an essay about your academic goals and your contributions to your school and/or community.

Award Amount: $400

Deadline: February 28th, 2011.

Click here to apply: http://www.bgscholarship.com/scholarship.html

The Smithsonian Latino Center’s 2011 Young Ambassadors Program – Summer Leadership Development Program

What: The Young Ambassadors Program is a national, interdisciplinary leadership development program for high school seniors. The mission of the program is to foster the next generation of Latino leaders in the arts, sciences, and humanities via the Smithsonian Institution and its resources.

Who: Students with an interest in and commitment to the arts, sciences, and humanities as it pertains to Latino communities and cultures are selected to travel to Washington, D.C. for a week-long, leadership development seminar at the Smithsonian Institution. The seminar encourages youth to explore and understand Latino identity and embrace their own cultural heritage through visits to the Smithsonian’s Latino collections and one-on-one interaction with anthropologists, artists, curators, historians, scientists and other museum professionals. Following the training seminar, students participate in a four-week interdisciplinary education internship in museums and other cultural institutions in their local communities, including Smithsonian-affiliated organizations.

Costs: None!!! Participation includes meals and accommodations for the duration of the one-week training seminar, round-trip travel costs to Washington, D.C., and a program stipend. Students selected are responsible for all expenses during the four-week internship, including transportation, accommodations, and meals.

Plus….Upon completion of the 5-week program, participants will receive a $2,000 program stipend towards their higher education. Students that do not complete the seminar and four-week internship will not receive the program stipend.
Deadline: April 8, 2011

For further information and application guidelines and to apply, please visit http://www.latino.si.edu/programs/youngambassadors.htm or contact Emily Key, Education Programs Manager, at 202.633.1268 or by email at slceducation@si.edu

For a listing of Smithsonian Internships, visit: http://www.si.edu/ofg/intern.htm

Leadership and Community Development Symposium

Since I last worked for LOFT there has been a complete revamping of the entire institute.  Pa’lante mi gente!!

So here are the details…

LOFT Institute-Washington, D.C.

Leadership and Community Development Symposium

Georgetown University

Saturday, February 12^th, 2011

11:00am-6:00pm

About  the Community Development Symposium:

LOFT Institute members and interested emerging Latino leaders (young professionals and students) will dive into various topics including: leadership development, success and legacy, and the future of the Latino Community.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday February 9^th, at 11:59pm.

Register TODAY via: http://bit.ly/f6mBwv and submit your resume to resume@loftinstitute.org.

More details regarding the content of the Symposium will be forthcoming upon confirmation of participant status.  Participants will be confirmed on Thursday morning, February 10^th.

The objective of the Symposium is to encourage personal renewal and community development through purposeful leadership, idea generation, and relationship development.  The Symposium will consist of a series of collaborative leadership and personal development exercises and workshops.  Participation in the Symposium is by invitation only for non-members of the LOFT Institute.  The Symposium is free of charge to participate.

Agenda

Welcome & Participant Introductions

Workshop I: Core Identity

Workshop II: Personal Development

Workshop III: Goal Setting

Workshop IV: Latino Community Facts Challenge

Workshop V: Public Speaking

Workshop VI: Resource Mapping

Speakers: Emanuel Pleitez, Johnny Madrid

*Food and refreshments provided.

LOFT Institute

The LOFT Institute is an initiative of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, which leverages the pipeline of the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards to systematically identify, prepare, place and position emerging Latino students and professionals for leadership in America.  LOFT Institute’s mission looks to reestablish the American workforce as a global competitor by investing in the Latino community through leadership development seminars, industry-tailored programs, internships, fellowships, full-time placement, networking events, mentoring, workforce training, resume building and interview preparation workshops.

Contact: Jessica Barajas via e-mail at jessica.barajas@loftinstitute.org or phone (323)506-9258

Register Here: http://bit.ly/f6mBwv

Ever wonder how a new immigrant student can go from knowing no English to interning for a city council member?

In two words: Liberty’s Promise

This week we’ll hear from two students who became fully integrated in our community and took advantage of internships and scholarships thanks to the support of Liberty’s Promise.

Liberty’s Promise- Click to view album

As you watch the show, I know the word “becas” is sure to catch your interest so don’t miss the last 10 minutes as we’ll hear from Luis Ortiz from Sherwood High School, winner of the National Hispanic Heritage Youth Award in Leadership.

TUNE IN TONIGHT!!!

Apply now for the Scholarship for High School Seniors from the Esperanza Fund. This scholarship is open to all immigrant students from the DMV area regardless of ethnicity, national origin or immigrant status.

http://www.esperanzafund.org/scholarship/

DEADLINE: MARCH 31, 2011

Apply now and spread the word!

Generacion Latina producer Carolina Pena to host this Saturday’s 6th Annual Latin Dance Competition 2011.

Join us!

 

For more information, visit the event website!

The energy, bulla, excitement and nervios could hardly be contained in the halls and auditorium of Dominion High School in Sterling, Virginia today.

Latin dance teams from Albert Einstein, Stonewall Jackson, Gaithersburg, Heritage, Gar-field Senior, Dominion, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill, South Lakes, and Edison High School danced their hearts out while their friends, family and teachers cheered on for hours.

Memorable highlights…

• Clarksburg and Einstein taking the Jack and Jill competition by storm
• Dominion’s samba during the group competition
• Einstein kicking it off with “Chan Chan” of Buena Vista Social Club and their confetti finale
• South Lake’s sexy tango opening
• Outstanding support from alumni and performances by Sterling Middle School and Harold singing “Nuestra Cultura”.

Congratulations to the winners!

Check out photos and videos of the competition on Generacion Latina – Facebook page and YouTube channel!

DEADLINE EXTENDED!!!!  HURRY UP AND FINISH YOUR APP BY JULY 1!

Recientemente tuve la oportunidad de conocer a 16 hermosas Latinas de PG County mientras celebraban su Quinceanera juntas. Todas vestidas como princesas caminaban con un aire de senoritas y ya no como ninas.  Acompanadas por sus padres y familias disfrutaron de esta celebracion tipica.

Quieren ver como lo disfrutaron?

Vean las fotos!

Y lean un articulo escrito en el Pregonero sobre esta noche.

Al contrario de muchas fiestas de 15 anos, la jovenes parte del programa “Mis Quince” se comprometen a participar en una serie de talleres para desarrollarse como senoritas enfocadas hacia la universidad y servicio a la comunidad.

Lo que muchos no saben es que mientras hay familias que pagan miles de dolares por estas fiestas, las jovencitas del programa “Mis Quince” solo pagan $75 por los talleres y la celebracion (incluso su vestido!).

Oportunidades como esta no se dan todos los dias pero cuando si las hay estaremos ahi para informarles.  Si desean saber mas sobre el programa y como inscribirse, no duden en contactar a Lourdes Sulc, 301-445-4508 o por correo lourdes.sulc@pgparks.com.

Felicidades chicas! Como les dije, su futuro es suyo y ustedes determinaran que tipo de mujeres seran.

For Viviana, it was “love at first sound bite”. But her apparent passion for journalism did not come with it’s set of hurdles.

Viviana Hurtado is our first virtual guest on Generacion Latina, but certainly not the first Latina role model to be featured.  And the question always comes up: How do successful Latinos make it to the top?

Think Sonia Sotomayor, or our own Jonathan Jayes Green!

They make it look so easy pero no te equivoques!! In reality they have to overcome their set of hurdles and by their example, they open up the way for us, las nuevas generaciones.

In our first virtual interview of more to come, we hear from Viviana Hurtado on a number of topics starting with how she found her path in journalism.

You can learn more about Viviana’s insights through her blog The Wise Latina Club.

LOFT Actionable Leadership Summit

September 14 & 15, 2011

Washington, D.C.—Capitol Hill

Deadline to apply: July 25th

Will you be a sophomore or junior in college this Fall 2011?  Do you have at least a 3.0 GPA?

Read on…

The 2011 LOFT Actionable Leadership Summit aims to train and equip young Latino/Hispanic college students to lead in the face of the most imminent challenges confronting the next generation. Hosted by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Latinos on the Fast Track program, this inaugural gathering will bring together 50 Latino/Hispanic college sophomores and juniors from around the country for a two-day training in Washington, D.C. on September 14^th and 15^th, 2011.

About the Summit:

We believe young Latinos possess the intellect, capability, and determination to define a new legacy of leadership and uplift their communities. It is in this spirit we will convene a summit to prepare young Latinos for successful leadership and provide them the opportunity to learn from those who are currently influencing public policy and business in our greater community. Summit participants will attend seminars on relevant policy issues, hear from a select group of experienced leaders from diverse fields, and engage in skill-building workshops focused on communications, fundraising, building networks, and mobilizing others to achieve shared goals.

By hosting the summit in conjunction with the Hispanic Heritage Awards and the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, moreover, we aim to bridge the intergenerational divide between established leaders and those who are preparing to take on the mantle of responsibility. Bringing these groups together around a common purpose – the future of the Latino/Hispanic community in the U.S. – will begin an ongoing conversation which will educate, empower, and elevate the level of discourse around the future of the community. This summit will also catalyze a discussion of national Hispanic issues that need to be raised in the 2012 election cycle and beyond. By expanding out from the “traditional” issue that our community has been pigeon-holed with, i.e. immigration, we can get to the root of the needs of our community right now and the needs of our community moving forward into the future.  The issues and topics covered will serve as starting points for engaging with current national leaders and the beginning of a running dialogue for years to come.

The 2011 LOFT Actionable Leadership Summit will take place in Washington, D.C. on September 14^th and 15^th, 2011. The first day students will engage in leadership training, workshops, and issue-based policy conversations with respected national leaders. The second day will begin with visits to elected officials on Capitol Hill and conclude with participants attending the 2011 Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony at the Kennedy Center.

How to Apply:

1)     Fill out this short application. Note you will need to complete this in one sitting, so please plan accordingly. We recommend you preview the application, then copy and paste the short-answer questions (11-13) into a word document. After finishing these on your own, you will be able to go back to the application link and complete it quickly by answering the first 10 questions and pasting in your responses to the short-answer questions (11-13).

2)     Send your resume to LatinoLeadershipSummit2011@gmail.com. A strong sample resume can be found here.

You must complete these three steps for your application to be considered.  The application will close at 3pm EST/12pm PST on Monday, July 25, 2011. All applicants will hear back about their acceptance to the 2011 Leadership Summit between July 29 and August 4.

Ideal candidates for this program:

·     Are committed to personal leadership development and the cultivation of strong leadership across the Latino/Hispanic community

·     Have a clear track record of leadership in their community and/or on their college campus

·     Have a compelling vision for what they can do on their college campus or in their community to promote and encourage Latino/Hispanic leadership

Eligibility:

The 2011 LOFT Actionable Leadership Summit application is open to all Latino/Hispanic college students who will be sophomores or juniors in fall 2011. Participants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average. In addition, participants must commit to paying or raising funds for their travel and housing costs, though we will do our best to work with students with limited financial means to ensure costs do not prohibit students from attending.

If you do not attend to apply or are not eligible but have an interest in Latino/Hispanic leadership, please fill out our short, 30-second survey on issues important to the Latino community. This will help us as we develop LOFT programming in the future.

If you have questions specific to the application or the Leadership Summit, please email LatinoLeadershipSummit2011INFO@gmail.com.

Think about it. What if we didn’t have a month to celebrate our cultura here in the United States?

This is your chance to speak your mind and maybe even win a few hundred dollar$ while you are at it!

Visit NBC’s Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest page, check out the rules and follow the submission instructions carefully!

 

Dale! It’s just 1000 words.  Don’t think too much and simply get started.  Let your thoughts flow and think… why is Hispanic Heritage Month important?

 

DEADLINE: August 30, 2011

 

 

Julian is a recent college grad from California but unlike many grads, he did not wait till after he got his diploma to stand out.

Early on, he pursued his passion in education and activism. Little did he know that by taking leadership on campus he would be recruited to work for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

Watch and listen this young Latino on the move as he gives us examples of leadership and perseverance without forgetting where he comes from.

Conozcan a Elisa.  Durante su asignacion en Costa Rica como voluntaria del Cuerpo de Paz, Elisa sigue rompiendo barreras.

Inspirate!

En Generacion Latina esta semana conversamos con Blanca Kling del Departamento de Policia de Montgomery County, Yeni, una joven salvadorena y su mama Hacinda representando al programa de Police Explorers o Exploradores de Policia.

Con solo 17 anos, Yeni ha llegado muy lejos en su exploracion profesional aprendiendo liderazgo y toda la practica policial semanalmente.  Vale la pena resaltar que la verdadera heroina es Hacinda, un verdadero ejemplo de una madre soltera que lucha por el exito de su hija sin importar los retos.

Aprendan mas sobre el programa de desarrollo en liderazgo y orientacion de carreras policiacas en http://www.mcpexplorers.org/

I had the honor of receiving the Maryland Hispanic Business Conference’s Young Entrepreneur Award yesterday.
Que honor señores!!

From left: Jeyben Castro, recent guest on GL; J.R. Gonzales, mentor; Charles Vela, my boss; Marta Bohorquez, my amazing madre; Carolina Pena, GL Producer and Host; Lorna Virgili, MDHBC Immediate Past Chair; Jerry Godwin, 2011 Chair-MDHBC; Ezequiel Galeano, my best friend.

As I stood before a crowd of 700 plus attendees, one question came to my mind: What if each and every one of these business owners was investing in a young person, spurring them on towards high school or college graduation, and giving them exposure to career experiences?

Guiding.
Teaching.
Inspiring.

I know that this is no small task!

So to all reading this, future mentors and youth alike, take a moment and think:

Young Latinos: Who do you know that is a professional, a college graduate, or has a career you are interested in? Ask for their business card and then FOLLOW UP!

Professionals: Who do you know that is working hard in school and could learn about what you do and how you came to do it? Give them your business card, please!

Now all it takes is reaching out. That doesn’t mean that the next student/professional you meet will be your mentee/mentor.

Students, your mentor has to choose you as much as you choose them.

Students: reach out and do it often, because you’ll meet and learn from many professionals along the way. Every opportunity you have to meet a professional is a door of opportunity. It is up to you to knock and see if it opens, even if it takes 20 tries! I believe there is a mentor for everyone.

If you have a mentor or mentee, we want to know: How did you meet them? What has your experience been like?

Student Emerging Leaders Program (Montgomery County)

Posted by: Our own Karen V. | GL Intern

On Tuesday, I had the honor to be on Generacion Latina! We talked about Blake’s Fuego Latino, Hispanic College Fund’s Hispanic Youth Institue, and MCPS’ Student Emerging Leaders Program. Shortly, Roberto Juarez, key-leader of the MD Dream Act movement, came on the set to discuss the Dream Act. I urge all individuals and groups to sign up for the leadership training that will be taking place September 24th and 25th in Baltimore. The vibe that Carolina, Roberto and I created in the studio was BUENISIMA. I am super excited to be an intern and I promise to make myself available to any inquiries Generacion Latina’s followers may have.

For more information about this week’s topics, please visit:

Blake Fuego Latino  | Hispanic Youth Institute

and of course…

Maryland DREAM Youth Committee

Prince Royce and Luis Enrique joined President Obama, top Latino lawmakers, executives, movers and shakers to kick off Hispanic Heritage month at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Gala 2011 in Washington, DC.

While it was great to meet the celebrities, it was even more inspiring to meet the CHCI fellows- Latino and Latina Master’s and PhD’s to-be- the cream of the crop of our generation pursuing higher education and spending a year in Washington to soak up policy (not just all that red carpet glamour!) to then go back and make a greater impact in their communities.

For more information about the prestigious CHCI fellowship and more, visit http://www.chci.org/fellowships/

CHCI 2011 Fellows from across the nation

Entrevistando a Luis Enrique con mi camarografo

Mas Fellows!

Y tu, que piensas?

Source: Unknown.

Generacion Latina’s Carolina Pena To Host Fiesta Latina in Downtown Silver Spring

Saturday, September 24. Join us for a vibrant cultural, musical and culinary Latin experience from 11am- 7pm.

Festival will feature: Salsa, Flamenco, Zumba, Peruvian folklore, Samba, Tamgo, Latin Rock, Cuban Timba & more!

Latino Fiesta Flyer

 

This weekend we hosted the first annual Downtown Silver Spring Latin Fiesta. After kicking it off with Blake High School’s Fuego Latino, we took the fiesta on a whirlwind of Latin music and dance showcasing flamenco with Furia Flamenca, samba with ZeZeh Samba and Samba Trovao, Tinkus Tiataco from Bolivia, Joe King from Puerto Rico and closing it big with DC’s newest Cuban salsa band: Timba Street.

What a day!  And we are doing it all over again next Saturday October 1st in the heart of Rockville at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration. More details to come at a later post. Stay tuned!!

For now, check out the photos on our Facebook page and this short clip produced by our Assistant Producer Intern, Karen.

[via HCF Newsletter]

Google Engineering Practicum Internship

Google is invested in increasing the pipeline of future computer scientists and software developers, particularly those who are historically underrepresented in the field. Many aspiring computer scientists could benefit from a program that bridges the gap between academic study and a professional internship. With this in mind, Google announces the fourth year of the Engineering Practicum internship program [formerly known as BOLD Practicum] for Summer 2012.

Engineering Practicum is a full-length, paid, summer software engineering internship. Students work on production-level projects in a team environment, attend training to enhance their technical and professional skills, and receive mentorship from Google engineers.

The program is open to all qualified current college sophomores, and is committed to addressing diversity in the field of Computer Science. Students who are a member of a group that is historically underrepresented in the technology industry are encouraged to apply.

Please visit www.google.com/jobs/engpracticum for more information and to apply today! The deadline to apply is October 15, 2011. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at eng-practicum-questions@google.com.

Acompananos este Sabado a seguir celebrando nuesta Latinidad en el corazon de Rockville Town Center.  Ven a oir los sonidos Latinoamericanos que te van a poner a bailar!

Hosted by Generacion Latina’s Carolina Peña | Con la animacion de Carolina Peña

This week we feature the stars of “The Road To Strathmore”, the upcoming documentary of Latino youth dancing their way to the prestigious performance stage at Strathmore.  Huge props to Melissa from Clarksburg HS Xtreme Latin dance club and David Cuevas from Einstein’s Titanes Salseros.

Watch the trailer here:

More details on the premier will be released at a later time.

But until then, check out these awesome photos kindly provided by Titanes Salseros’ Paula Pero.

For more videos, don’t forget to visit our GL YouTube page.

Internship Alert!!!

LOFT released numerous opportunities for paid internships in 2012 with The Hershey Company

If you decide to apply for a position, be sure to list LOFT as your reference.

Compensation: Sophomore: $15.50 Junior: $17.00 Senior: $18.70 depending on qualifications

FINANCE DEPARTMENT
· Internal Audit Business Internships Summer 2012 - Apply here
The intern will assist with financial and business process control audits performed throughout the Company. Financial/operational audit assignments would likely include the review of controls and procedures in place within manufacturing facilities, finished goods warehouses, and business processes such as procurement, trade promotion spending, credit and accounts receivable and cash management. The candidate would work extensively with SAP and other information technology systems utilized by the Company.

IT DEPARTMENT – interviewing candidates across all positions and will consider each candidate for all roles

· IT Internship – Business Applications Development - Apply here
Spring/Summer 2012. The Business Applications Development Intern will participate in support, development, and testing of web based applications using emerging technology platforms from IBM, Business Objects, SAP and Adobe. The student will collaborate with IT colleagues to document user requirements, and participate in the solution development and testing. Technologies utilized include Java, Web services, .Net, Web 2.0, and Adobe Flash.

· IT Internship – Client Technologies – Apply here
Spring/Summer 2012. The Client Technologies Intern/Co-Op will participate in support, development, and testing of web based applications using emerging technology platforms from IBM, Business Objects, SAP and Adobe. The student will collaborate with IT colleagues to document user requirements, and participate in the solution development and testing. Technologies utilized include Java, Web services, .Net, Web 2.0, and Adobe Flash.

· IT Internship – SAP Basis and Security – Apply here
Spring/Summer 2012. The student, under direct supervision, will participate in support of SAP infrastructure applications using existing and emerging technology platforms. The student will collaborate with IT colleagues to understand and document SAP Basis and Security processes and procedures, and perform routine tasks required to support technical system administration of the SAP landscape. Landscapes cover the Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing, Sales and HR application areas.

· IT Internship – Server Administration - Apply here
Spring/Summer 2012. The student, under direct supervision, will participate in the support, development, testing and deployment of server infrastructure. The student will collaborate with IT colleagues to resolve operational issues, deploy hardware, troubleshoot and recommend solutions, handle user issues, deploy operating system patches, complete file backups and restores as well as participate in standard day to day server administration activities. Opportunities exist in both MS Windows and UNIX/Linux server administration areas.

· IT Internship – Voice/Data Network Technology – Apply here
Spring/Summer 2012. The Voice/Data Network Technology Intern/Co-Op participates in the implementation and support of voice and/or data networking technologies.

If you decide to apply for a position, be sure to list LOFT as your reference.*

Join the LOFT Network where you can include your academic and career preferences and receive more customized opportunities. The LOFT Network consists of industry and regional fellows and advisors, former Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards recipients, and participants of other leadership and industry-specific programs.
LOFT Network: http://loftnetwork.org

Opportunities available through the LOFT program are for Hispanic students only.
Others interested should contact the company website directly.

**5 SEATS JUST OPENED! YOU CAN STILL ATTEND!** 

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s LOFT Institute in partnership with AT&T, cordially invite you to the 2011 LOFT Technology Seminar on Friday, November 18th, 2011.

AT&T Innovation Center
1133 21st Street, NW
2nd floor
Washington, D.C.

10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

This is an exciting opportunity for LOFT members, in high school and college, to network with AT&T professionals and learn about the diverse career opportunities available within the Technology Industry. Come prepared to engage in a dynamic dialogue led by Latino and minority leaders in Marketing, Public Affairs and of course, Technology.

A tour of AT&T’s Innovation Center will follow the discussion.

Seating is limited, please RSVP promptly at the following link: http://bit.ly/pDHH3J Attendees will receive an event confirmation via email.

Dress code: business casual. Lunch will be provided.

Tentative Agenda
· 9:45 am Student Arrival
· 10:00 am Welcome by AT& T
· 10:05 – 10: 35 am Opening remarks by AT&T
· 10:35 – 12:00 pm LOFT Leadership training
· 12:00 – 1:45 pm *Lunch and AT&T Departmental Panel
· 1:45 – 2:00pm Break
· 2:00 – 2:40pm HHF Speaker
· 2:40– 3:10pm AT&T Closing Speaker
· 3:10 – 3:30 pm Tour of Innovation Center
· 3:30 pm Student Departure

*Sessions marked with an * will be live broad-casted from the NYC Innovation Center.

After this Sunday’s premiere of of “The Road to Strathmore” Documentary at AFI, the hype is up and the 12th Annual Latin Dance Competition for MCPS is ON!

First things first- It will be packed as previous years so GET YOUR TICKETS ASAP-  They’re available Here

You won’t want to miss this so invite your friends and family to witness young Latino dancers take it up a notch (or two) at none other than the prestigious Strathmore stage.

For the second consecutive year, students will face each other and leave their souls on stage as they compete in eight different divisions.   After countless hours of practice, emotional highs and lows, eight teams representing MCPS high schools, parents and alumni will gather for a night that promises to exceed all expectations.

About the event: 

Monday, November 28 at 7pm

12th Annual MCPS Latin Dance Competition

The Music Center at Strathmore

10701 Rockville Pike

North Bethesda, MD 20852

For more information about the After School Dance Fund to help promote cross-cultural awareness, visit http://afterschooldancefund.org/

Te interesa estudiar en Montgomery College? Quisieras ahorrar el costo de la solicitud?

Ven a la reunión informativa en el Student Services Building ubicado en Takoma Park/Silver Spring este Miércoles 7 de Diciembre a las 5:30pm y ahorre $25 al someter tu solicitud.

Para mas información, contacte a Gloria Bonilla al (240) 567-3961.

by Karen Vanegas

You’ve heard it once, twice; a million times: New Year, new you. But, how do we follow through?

Simple. By giving our goals an opportunity, for 21 days. Whether you want to shed a few pounds, get your GPA up, or everything else in between.

This past year we came across some excellent tips to get serious about achieving goals. But we won’t call them goals or resolutions. In 2012 we are going to build new habits!

First, check out what Matt Cutts has to say about this and how he did it. It was our first point of inspiration:

And now a brief commercial in 3 words: TED VIDEOS ROCK! ….Now back to Generacion Latina…

But we disagree with Matt.

What?! Yes, you heard it right. We disagree and think that 21 (not 30 days) is the magic number.

Why 21 days?

Look it up! It takes 21 days to build a habit.

Thanks to this other great blog, we’ll show you why:

–> It is manageable

–> No commitment required

–> Highly effective in getting good habits in place

–> Great way to try new things

Remember:

Be realistic. You’re not going to lose weight by sitting on the couch all afternoon; you’re not going to get your GPA up to a 4.0 overnight. Start small. Maybe it’s: stop biting your nails or read and meditate for 15 minutes a day or shower in half the time and waste less water in 21 days.

Start now; give yourself something to look forward to. Attract whatever you can this month for an unforgettable year, make this YOUR year. You can do whatever you set your mind to; all you have to do is make an attempt.

It won’t be easy, but it certainly won’t be impossible… Break a habit, make a change. Improve your lifestyle. You won’t regret it, that’s a promise!

Danny Gonzalez

by Karen Vanegas

This month we begin a special feature of an MCPS student who positively represents who we are as young Latinos, breaking the stereotypes we typically see in media.  There is no “one-size fits all” when it comes to Latinos, and each month we hope to highlight our diversity of race, dreams, accomplishment and Latinidad.

Como diria Chespirito…”Siganme los buenos!”

To launch our first feature, we introduce…

School: James Hubert Blake High School

Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican and Guatemalan

For me, being a Latino in America means helping bring up a generation that exceeds typical stereotypes of underachievement or incapability and to represent Latino communities throughout the United States, showing the impact and potential we have to influence ourselves and the people around us for the better. While the Latino population has the lowest graduation and achievement rates, I don’t think that we should have that image or title as the lowest achievers. I see a responsibility to serve as an example that shows there are Latinos are doing something and show the good things we can do and what we can reach.

What keeps me going everyday is knowing that all I’m working for right now is what will result in as my future. I’ve learned and heard from many leaders that many do not think proactively or “into the future” about what results and consequences their actions will bring and that it is difficult to have a long-term perspective on things. But what gives me motivation to work everyday is knowing that accomplishment can be reached by putting effort in the things I do and disciplining myself, knowing that there is potential for me to let unravel if I simply prepare and train myself.

The greatest challenge/problem for Latino youth is breaking out of the stereotypes on the Latino community being looked upon as underachievers. In schools, Latinos students are predominantly the ethnic group with the lowest SAT scores and grade point averages. The Latino youth has struggled with building an education-based life. Many Latino students slack in school and do not value their education as a priority to have a successful life. Lack of self-motivation, self-discipline, and dedication is a major issue in many Latino students.

My biggest dream is to make a difference in the lives of as many people as I can politically, academically, and as many aspects as possible. My main goal and hope is to see the Latino community rise out of the undermined stereotypes of underachievement in schools. Where we won’t be looked down upon, but rather looked up to. And that it get to the point where we are looked for to make the decisions that affect us all. I wish that in some way I could leave a legacy for my family and everyone else to follow to make a difference for the better of us all.

Before dying, I would like to travel to different countries. I don’t want to stay sort of boxed in the United States making it all I know. I would like to get to witness personally different countries and learn more about them. The reality is that there are a lot more out in the world to be known, and I don’t want to stay within the boundaries of what is familiar to me. America is frequently described as a mixture of many races, cultures, and backgrounds so visiting different countries where those aspects originated from would give me so much insight of our backgrounds. And finally, I just would love to have the opportunity to see how other people around the world live.

Education is important for me because in this world we live in, education is what gives individuals, minorities or higher class, the edge on reaching success and having a good life. Having a higher education, and having exceptional academic achievement increases the chance of an individual going to a good school, and if they continue their good achievement, they may have a higher chance of getting chosen for the best jobs. And most likely that trend of high achievement will continue throughout their career and the rest of their life. Another reason why I think education is important is because education is knowledge about the world we live in, about how it works, what happens in it and what has happened, and can help us further discover the world. Without an education, many would live in ignorance about the place they live in. Having an education is a huge benefit and cornerstone for all individuals.

Maybe you won’t, but Gia is!

When my friend Gia told me she would cycling from Baltimore to Seattle over the summer, I thought what you are probably thinking right now: CRAZY!

But love drives us to do crazy things. Gia’s love for her sister is fueling her goal to make it cross country on a bike to raise funds for cancer research and awareness. Read more about her story here and PLEASE support her. Even $10 or $25 will help her make the goal.

Check out her story here: http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/gia-sandor/

Gianna is not your typical high school student and that is why at Generacion Latina, we LOVED her! That means you can’t miss this interview- this weekend on channel 16 at 10pm (MMC-TV) and coming soon on our YouTube channel.
During our interview she covered her passions, hobbies and unwavering dedication to academic achievement. More importantly, for a scholarship-winning student like herself, her ability to balance life between school-work-internship-blogging is truly inspiring!
Get to know her and listen in on her strategies for success this weekend on Generacion Latina.

What caught our interest, besides the academic ambition and love for teaching is her fashion-based blog. This young lady instigates some serious Visual Uproar. This is what she wore to our interview.

Enjoy more photos and check out her Facebook page for her blog too!

What do you do when you thought you wanted to be a musician, then dropped out of college and have no idea where to go with your life?  

This is the question that Josue Barrera faced years ago. Today he holds a Masters in Public Policy, is a distinguished alumnus of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, works at the Department of State, and is an avid golf player.

Inspirate con su trayectoria! Learn and let Josue’s experience inspire you- tonight @ Generacion Latina- channel 16, 10PM.

 

More on Josue…http://de-de.facebook.com/notes/hacu-national-internship-program/20th-anniversary-notable-alumnus-josue-barrera/10150826339060708

Estudiantes de Rockville, es hora de involucrarse en la comunidad. Podrías asistir a esto?