Washington, D.C., July 28, 2003 - At a press conference on July 9, 2003 at the National Press Club, MANA, A National Latina Organization (MANA) announced that it has formed a historic partnership with leading national Hispanic organizations, the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, private entities, and corporate leaders to enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic students.

This partnership represents a historic collaboration of Hispanic organizations and other community entities to take dramatic steps in improving the educational attainment of Hispanic students. The goal of this effort is to empower the Hispanic American community by equipping families with educational tools and informational resources in order to assist them in becoming stronger advocates for their children's education from early childhood to college completion.

This Hispanic-led educational initiative, "Partners in Hispanic Education", will work with local communities to reinforce positive expectations that include educational excellence, academic attainment, parental involvement and awareness, academic preparation, mentorship, engagement of the business community, accountability and enrollment in college. Partners have local presence in communities through chapters, affiliates, or local councils, and through these networks, this initiative will remain active in the community after the day-long events.

Partners in Hispanic Education will hold a series of educational "Ferias" or Town Hall Meetings at six pilot sites across the country, which include San Diego, CA; Miami, FL; Tucson, AZ; the Bronx, NY; El Paso, TX/Las Cruces, NM; and Detroit, MI. These events will be comprised of various components for education stakeholders, which will include a series of workshops for students, parents, educators and administrators, community business owners, school board members, and corporate representatives, so that all stakeholders can be involved in educating students. Topics for workshops will include a financial aid seminar, scholarship information, mentorship opportunities, and other strategies to encourage students towards success.

"For the first time, we have the oldest and largest Latino community based national organizations working together on the issue that we all say is our priority. Being led by Hispanic organizations with grassroots ties, this partnership can be the key to changing the paradigm to one of educational success for Hispanics. When the national partners leave the sites after the events, community-based organizations, corporate partners, and other community stakeholders will carry this project. It will not merely be a kick-off event, but something that will stay within the communities," stated Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO of MANA at the Press Conference. "This partnership will get the message of education into the hands of the people and provide them with the tools that they need to help Hispanic children succeed. We are very excited to be part of this dynamic partnership which holds such potential."

"As an organization with the mission to empower Latinas, MANA believes in the dicho 'When you educate a woman, you educate a family'. Through this partnership, we can say 'When you educate a Hispanic family, you educate a nation'", Ms. Riojas stated.

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

The first event is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2003 in San Diego, California, with Beatrice Fernandez, immediate past MANA National Chair as leader for the site. MANA will take the lead for the partnership in San Diego, El Paso/Las Cruces, and Detroit. Interested media, community organizations, and corporations can contact MANA at manacatherine@aol.com for more information. Dates for other pilot sites will be determined shortly.

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MANA, A National Latina Organization, is a nonprofit, advocacy organization headquartered in the nation's capital, Washington, D. C. With chapters across the country, it is the oldest National Latina membership organization in the United States. MANA, whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy, envisions a national community of informed Latina activists working to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics.

MANA also has the only national young Latina's mentoring program for girls 11 to 17, "HERMANITAS®" which brings over 200 girls to Washington DC to a summer institute that includes a briefing at the White House and a visit to the girls' Congressional representatives.