Hispanic Scholarship Fund Launches 'Generation 1st Degree' to Increase Number of Americans with College Degrees

[News]

HSF, recognizing the nation's need for more college graduates in spite of the current recession, is launching "Generation 1st Degree," an initiative focused on closing the "degree gap" that exists between Hispanic students and their peers. The strategy seeks to help at least one person in each household earn a college degree, and then leverage that credential in order to assist others in the family seek the same achievement.

Announcing the initiative at its first Education Summit, HSF plans to focus its efforts on the Hispanic American students and families it serves and hopes to be a catalyst for a national conversation about higher education and the economy. In 35 years, HSF has awarded close to $300 million in scholarships to more than 50,000 students in need. Two-thirds of these students were the first in their families to go to college.

"We have proof to show the game-changing impacts of a 'first-in-family' degree," says Frank Alvarez, president and CEO, HSF. "With 'Generation 1st Degree,' we're asking all college-educated Americans who benefited from someone's investment in them to give back by investing in Hispanics who aspire to be the first in their families to earn a college degree. Our investments will not only benefit these students and their families, but they will be the
seeds of change that inspire siblings, friends and an entire generation of Hispanics to go to college."

HSF's vision is for the U.S. Latino degree attainment rate to increase from 19 percent to 60 percent by 2025. HSF estimates that will result in a significant increase in Latino lifetime earnings — from the current $24 trillion to $47 trillion (in current dollars) by 2025 if the goal is met.

Time Warner is the host sponsor of the Education Summit as well as the corporate honoree. Toyota is the presenting sponsor of the Education Summit.

"As a global leader in the automotive industry, Toyota believes that education is vital to sustaining a diverse and dynamic workforce, strengthening communities, and opening doors for all people," says Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "We are deeply grateful to HSF for the work it does and for giving us the opportunity to play a key role in this special day. We're especially proud of the more than 500 HSF scholars we've been able to support through our longtime HSF scholarship program."

In addition to scholarships, Toyota's partnership with HSF includes program support that totals $4.25 million since 1988. READ MORE