LULAC announces Ford grant to help students transition to college, careers

Courtesy of the local League of United Latin American Citizens:

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 high school on time, well prepared for college and career, through Project PODEMOS.

Working in collaboration with San Benito High School, the San Benito LULAC Council, 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 to help students graduate high school on time, well-prepared for the transition to college and career futures in San Benito County.

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’s 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.”

“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,” said Joe Ávila, manager, community development, U.S. and Latin America, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Education has long been a priority for Ford, and we are committed to helping our youth acquire the tools they need for future success.”

Bob Tiffany, longtime president of the Tiffany Motor Company, the Ford dealership in San Benito County from 1910 to 2019, stated the following: “We are quite aware of the outstanding work that LULAC has done in San Benito County over the years … LULAC has made a significant impact on the lives of young Latino students within San Benito County.”  

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 LULAC Council #2890.