Latino Leadership’s premiere fundraising event empowers families, students
Too often students take education for granted. They wake up every day bright and early, sit through what seems countless hours of school, to do the same thing tomorrow. What they do not realize is that this is the time of their lives. They have been given an amazing opportunity to better themselves with a solid foundation; an education that promises to break the cycles of poverty that plagues many first- and second-generation families.
According to Houston Mayor Bill White, “In a global economy, the single most important issue facing our country is an educated work force. Somebody who lacks a high school education will have lifetime earnings that are only about 60% of those of somebody with that education”. Unfortunately, this number reflects only the economic impact of high school dropouts. Imagine all the social impacts that will occur as a result. Dropouts are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. It is said that it costs more to imprison an inmate than to educate a child.
What are we waiting for?
Currently, Latino students account for 1 out of every 5 students in the United States. President Barack Obama has acknowledged that the success of Latino students is fundamental for the success of this great nation. Since its inception in 1999, Latino Leadership has used knowledge as a tool to reach out to the community. Beyond the organization’s routine social services, all Latino Leadership programming includes an education piece tailored to parents and students. Latino Leadership understands that families must be addressed holistically in order to improve their educational outcomes.
During the academic year and beyond, Latino Leadership implements the Southeast Regional Latino Family Conference, the Parent Resource Center, the One-Economy Digital Connectors program and more to work together with families in reinforcing the urgency for completion of a successful k-12 education and beyond, Through the many programs offered, Latino Leadership provides outreach to more than 500 families a year.
In order to offer these programs and services, Latino Leadership counts on the proceeds of the Latino Open Golf Tournament. The Latino Open brings together generous companies and individuals that are committed to improving the Central Florida community through education. On Friday, May 6th, the Open will bring together community activists, business leaders, and government officials to continue the cause.
If you are interested in joining Latino Leadership on the greens, visit the tournament website at www.latinoopen.com. Together you can help Latino Leadership change the future of Central Florida families.
Marucci Beard
