Chicanos Por La Causa and The Walton Family Foundation are joining forces to award a $209,000 grant to help Latino families.
The following is a press release from Chicanos Por La Causa;
Phoenix — Latino youth are 43% of students in Arizona, but they lag in educational achievement and high school completion. In an effort to close the educational gap, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) and The Walton Family Foundation are exploring other solutions to help Latino families improve the educational experience for their children. The foundation awarded CPLC with a $209,000 grant to create a pilot program that will increase awareness of school choice among primarily low-income, Latino families in Phoenix.
"It is about leveling the playing field. If all parents have a clear understanding of the options and resources available, their children will have a greater opportunity to succeed. This is an effort to assist Latino parents learn about high-quality schools whether it is in the public or charter system. For instance, parents should recognize that similar to their children's report card an "A" or "B" indicates high achievement, a school rating demonstrates performance. Having the ability to choose the best option paves the way in taking control of their children's education," said Magdalena Verdugo, CPLC Vice President of Education and Southeast Arizona Area Manager.
CPLC will gather data to compare enrollment trends of Latino, low-income youth in non-charter vs. charter schools as well as create a better understanding of the school rating system. The results will be shared with Latino families in English and Spanish.
"The work that CPLC does helps to ensure that all Americans, regardless of zip code, background, or income level, have access to high quality schools," said Marc Sternberg, the K-12 Education Program Director for the Walton Family Foundation. "We're hopeful that providing parents with clear, trustworthy information — in English and Spanish — will help them make smart choices for their children's education and will help more kids access the high-quality schools they need and deserve."
CPLC is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to pursue the solid foundation that an education provides because in turn, it leads to self-sufficiency and empowerment.
About Chicanos Por La Causa
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) is a community development corporation (CDC) that provides services in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Since 1969, CPLC has been changing lives by developing self-sufficiency and instilling empowerment in those we serve. Our focus areas are economic development, education, housing, and social services. CPLC provides a better life through offering business and employment opportunities; ensuring everyone has the solid foundation of an education; providing hope through a pathway of recovery, restoration, and resiliency; and ensuring that a safe, secure, affordable home is available to every individual we serve. Today, we have 48 programs & services, 700 employees, and 60 offices, making CPLC the third-largest Hispanic non-profit in the nation and one the leading organizations in Arizona. For more information, visit www.CPLC.org
About The Walton Family Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation is dedicated to changing the trajectory of young people's lives and helping end the poverty that plagues so many of our nation's communities by expanding K-12 education opportunities for all students. The foundation has invested more than $1 billion to date to improve all types of schools — traditional district, public charter and private — and to support innovative organizations that share a common goal: to give all families the ability to choose the best school for their child, regardless of their zip code. Visit the foundation at: www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org.
