This article was contributed by San Benito LULAC.
As preparations begin for a new school year, 25 students from San Benito High School and San Andreas Continuation High School will get an extra push this fall to graduate on time, be well-prepared for college and careers through Project Podemos.
The San Benito LULAC Council #2890, one of the 2019 Ford Driving Dreams Grant winners, has been awarded $10,000 to implement a third year of program activities in the 2019-20 school year. Project Podemos will provide student success workshops, college-career readiness modules, STEM project-based learning activities and leadership preparation in the local community.
“Helping young people succeed is a constant effort we have made possible in association with Ford Motor Company Fund—the philanthropic arm of Ford—so students can graduate high school on time and pursue a college education,” said LULAC Chief Operating Officer Sindy Benavides. “We celebrate and recognize the work of the Councils who are making sure that their communities are being empowered through academic excellence.”
Joe Ávila, manager of community development in the U.S. and Latin America with the Ford Motor Company Fund, said “We are very proud of our work with LULAC, because together we are able to provide the resources to help the Councils build brighter academic futures for thousands of students in their own communities. Education has long been a priority for Ford, and we are committed to helping our youth acquire the tools they need for future success.”
The San Benito County LULAC Council was formed in 1987 and is the largest membership LULAC Council in California. In 2019, San Benito LULAC will celebrate 30 years of community youth involvement and achievements. Our vision is “to build and develop our future leadership, our youth and young adults.”
“We are celebrating 30 years of strong youth involvement in this community, during which we have supported many college and youth members attain their goals,” said Richard Perez, Sr., president of San Benito LULAC.
For more information on Ford Driving Dreams Grants, visit www.lulac.org/ford. The Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford, invests more than $10 million a year in scholarships and other education initiatives.
