TOWSON—U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) today spoke at the closing ceremony for the Hispanic College Fund’s 2011 Maryland Hispanic Youth Institute, a youth empowerment program for Maryland Hispanic high school students.  The Senator discussed his efforts to increase access to higher education and expand workforce development opportunities for disadvantaged Hispanic youth. 

“The Hispanic Youth Institute makes the American Dream more attainable for hundreds of Hispanic students in Maryland,” said Senator Cardin.  “Through networking opportunities with leaders in the Hispanic Community, scholarship competitions and other education-oriented events, participants in the Institute are empowered to pursue college and professional careers.  I’m proud to support exemplary programs like the Hispanic Youth Institute that help young Marylanders overcome barriers to success.” 

The Hispanic Youth Institute is a four-day, three-night program housed at Towson University that links disadvantaged Hispanic high school students with local Hispanic

professionals, college admissions officers, mentors and other inspirational figures. The

Institute’s goal is to help students develop the skills needed not only to be accepted into college, but to graduate and transition into successful careers. Participants are rising sophomore and junior Maryland high school students, most of whom are the first in their families to attend college and are in the free or reduced lunch program.  They must demonstrate leadership potential and be nominated to the program by a teacher or counselor. 

Founded in 1993, the Hispanic College Fund (HCF) is a national non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals. The Hispanic College Fund annually awards millions of dollars, impacting thousands of students through high school to college to career.

–##–