25th Anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

Floor Speech

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Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Since 1990, the initiative has played a critical role in advocating for and advancing policies that have helped our community grow.

While our work is not done, as we conclude Hispanic Heritage Month, it is important for us to celebrate our progress. Our nation's high school graduation rate is the highest in history, and the Latino dropout rate is half of what it was in 2000.

More importantly, however, we must recognize the work that remains and those committed to doing it. Earlier this year, the Department of Education issued a national call for commitments to action for Hispanics in education. The initiative aimed to encourage private, public and nonprofit investments to create and/or expand high quality educational services. The results were astounding; 150 Commitments to Action with a collective investment of over $335 million.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the commitment of an organization in my district, the Mariachi Music Education Initiative, who has committed nearly $900,000 over three years for music education.

It's commitments like this, and those of the other 149 organizations that will help our community prosper. Together, through the work and contributions of public, private and nonprofit organizations, we will continue working to close the achievement gap, and ensure every child in America has the tools and opportunity they need to succeed.

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