Education is, and will remain, the most important issue on the Hispanic agenda. Improving the quality of higher education for Latinos will indisputably raise their economic prospects and civic engagement, and contribute to the long-term economic and social health of the entire nation.

LIDER’s program, which focuses on very specific strategies to increase retention and graduation rates, complements the current efforts to reduce the staggering discrepancies in educational attainment between Hispanics and other groups. According to reports on education by U.S. Census Bureau, only four percent of Hispanics complete a postsecondary credential through the traditional path of enrolling within one year of high school graduation, and attaining the bachelor’s degree within six years.

Our “Architects of Success” program, organized in partnership with colleges and universities, is unique in that it incorporates the successful components of corporate teamwork in a seminar series designed to train all of the team participants: students, parents and faculty.

The goal of the program is to empower Latino students with the strategies and tools they need to successfully complete their degree and become self-reliant, and to engage and commit families to the student’s success. LIDER recognizes how paramount parental involvement is in the student’s education and for that reason we actively seek to empower the parent’s role in the education process.

1. Creating a new class of role models

We intend to create a “victorious cycle.” Successful graduates become role models within their own families and spheres of influence, which in turn encourages others to pursue their degrees.

2. The “Architects of Success” seminar series

which introduce students and their families to concepts such as goal setting, time management and teamwork, combined with a message of perseverance and self-worth will positively impact their ability to complete their educational careers.

ACTIVITIES: HSF, HCF, HACU, LA RAZA , LULAC all orgs actively involved in policy issues: pass Dream Act and Higher Education Act in Congress; generating more money for college scholarships, corporate America donating more money for college sponsorships, more help in the form of Title V HSIs etc….
Studies were funded and now released - say kids drop out because (5) reasons

Notes: Third, to coach teachers and administrators on strategies that address the specific needs of Latino students.