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WASHINGTON, DC; April 18, 2013 – The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) is proud to announce a $900,000 contribution from Bill Conway, Carlyle Group co-founder, and his wife Joanne, to the LAYC Career Academy Public Charter School. The LAYC Career Academy Public Charter School, opened in 2012, prepares young adults for careers and college.

With a pioneer class of 103 students, this unique public charter school is designed to re-engage youth between the ages of 16-24 who are considered to be disconnected from traditional pathways to education and employment. A recent report by RaiseDC estimates that each day 9,000 – 10,000 young people in our city are not in school, not working, and feel hopeless about their future.

The fourth public charter school founded by LAYC, the Career Academy Public Charter School offers students the opportunity to prepare for and pass the GED and train for a career as an A+ certified IT professional or a medical assistant. Career Academy students will also be able to start their college education by completing six college credits (the equivalent of two AP classes) through LAYC's partnership with Bard College and by co-enrollment in classes at the Community College of the District of Columbia and Trinity Washington University.

In addition to academics, the LAYC Career Academy offers intensive support services and a school climate that addresses the unique challenges faced by disconnected youth including parenthood, homelessness, growing up in foster care, being formerly incarcerated or a recently arrived immigrant.

"LAYC is thrilled to receive this donation from the Conways," declared Lori Kaplan, LAYC President & CEO. "At a time when youth unemployment is at an all-time high, it is critically important to prepare youth for available jobs. The Conway's donation will fund the LAYC Career Academy's medical skills lab and will allow our school to grow and stabilize with 200 new students in the class of 2014," continued Kaplan. She noted how difficult it is to cover all costs of a small public charter school that works with young people who have been left out of the traditional public and charter school offerings. "The Conway's gift will help cover the gap in the school's budget for the first three years. We are incredibly thankful for the gift and as importantly for their belief in our work," concluded Kaplan.

When Mr. Conway visited the LAYC Career Academy, he talked with students about their future plans and dreams and shared his story and commitment to education and training for all in our region. "We look forward to Mr. Conway's next visit," stated Nicole Hanrahan, LAYC Career Academy Public Charter School director. "Perhaps he will serve as our first graduation speaker."

WASHINGTON, DC; April 9, 2013 — The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) will celebrate 45 years of service to the area's youth with its annual Gala on Thursday, May 2nd, at 6 PM, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill*. The event will begin with a VIP reception hosted by Capital One Bank, include fantastic silent and live auctions, an exciting program featuring LAYC alumni, and a lively after party that will include dancing, salsa lessons and a festive 45th anniversary cake. Expected guests include CareFirst President and CEO Chet Burrell, Capital One Financial Treasurer Steve Linehan, DC Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilman David Grosso, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett.

NBC4 reporter and anchor Erika Gonzalez will emcee the gala program.

LAYC is pleased to announce that Erika Gonzalez, reporter and anchor for NBC4 will emcee the evening's program. Ms. Gonzalez began her career as a weathercaster and anchor in Rio Grande Valley in Texas then moved to KEYE-TV, a CBS affiliate in Austin to become a morning news anchor. While there, Erika also used her Spanish proficiency to anchor newscasts for Telemundo Austin. She will be joined by youth and alumni in emceeing the program.

"I'm very excited to celebrate LAYC's 45th anniversary, our extraordinary alumni and supporters, and our many accomplishments," said LAYC President & CEO Lori Kaplan. We have been able to help thousands of young people achieve a successful transition to adulthood through multi-cultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address their social, academic, and career needs."

The LAYC mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood through multi-cultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youth's social, academic, and career needs. LAYC believes in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution, and joy. This year, LAYC will provide comprehensive supports to over 4,300 diverse youth and families in the Greater Washington, DC region. These supports include: educational services that lead to a GED or high school diploma, transitional housing that provides a critical step to self-sufficiency, job training, mental health services, case management, and more. Since 1968, LAYC has served over 65,000 youth and families.

Proceeds from the Gala will support LAYC's operations in the District of Columbia, and in Maryland's Montgomery and Prince George's County. Organizers estimate 450 supporters will attend the event this year, making it LAYC's most successful gala ever. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, donate to the live or silent auction, or for more information, please visit the LAYC 45th Anniversary Gala Website.

*As some of you may know, many national organizations including NCLR and the NFL Players Association have pledged to not hold any conventions, conferences, special events, or major meetings at Hyatt hotels covered by a national boycott that is addressing concerns over harmful working conditions. The LAYC Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill does have agreements in place protecting its staff and is therefore not subject to the national boycott. Many of our LAYC alumni, participants, and parents are employed in the hotel and hospitality industry so it is important that we always support them in their workplace.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: Latin American Youth Center

WHAT: 45th Anniversary Gala

WHEN: May 2, 2013 / 6-9 PM

WHERE: Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill

 400 New Jersey Ave NW

Washington, DC 20001

For more information, please contact Development & Communications Manager  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WASHINGTON, DC; March 26, 2013 — The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) will celebrate 45 years of service to the area's youth with its annual Gala on Thursday, May 2nd, at 6 PM, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The event will feature silent and live auctions, a VIP reception hosted by Capital One Bank, an exciting program featuring LAYC alumni, and an after party that will include dancing, salsa lessons and a festive 45th anniversary cake. Special guests will include distinguished alumni, local celebrities, elected officials and leaders from the corporate and foundation community.

LAYC is pleased to announce that Erika Gonzalez, reporter and anchor for NBC4 will emcee the evening's program. Ms. Gonzalez began her career as a weathercaster and anchor in Rio Grande Valley in Texas then moved to KEYE-TV, a CBS affiliate in Austin to become a morning news anchor. While there, Erika also used her Spanish proficiency to anchor newscasts for Telemundo Austin.

"I'm very excited to celebrate LAYC's 45th anniversary at our gala this year! Not only is it an opportunity to recognize some of our extraordinary alumni, but to give thanks to some of the many supporters who have helped make our work possible over the years," said Lori Kaplan, President & CEO of LAYC.

Proceeds from the Gala will support LAYC's operations in the District of Columbia, and in Maryland's Montgomery and Prince George's County. "With so many youth in our region facing unemployment, financial hardship, and a lack of opportunity the safe haven provided by LAYC is more important than ever," stated Tony Marquez, Chair of LAYC's Board of Directors.

LAYC's vision is belief in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution, and joy. The LAYC mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood through multi-cultural, comprehensive and innovative programs that address youth's social, academic, and career needs. This year, LAYC will provide comprehensive supports to over 4,300 diverse youth and families in the Greater Washington, DC region. These supports include: educational services that lead to a GED or high school diploma, transitional housing that provides a critical step to self-sufficiency, job training, mental health services, case management, and more. Since 1968, LAYC has served over 65,000 youth and families.

Organizers estimate 450 supporters will attend the event this year, making it LAYC's most successful gala ever. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, donate to the live or silent auction, or for more information, please visit The Gala Website.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: Latin American Youth Center

WHAT: 45th Anniversary Gala

WHEN: May 2, 2013 / 6-9PM

WHERE: Hyatt Regency  on Capitol Hill

 400 New Jersey Ave NW

Washington, DC 20001

For more information, please contact Development & Communications Manager  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WASHINGTON, DC; February 28, 2013—On Friday, March 1st, the Latin America Youth Center (LAYC) will host the 3rd Annual Rainbow Talent Affair. The event is dedicated to LGBTQ youth and allies, who want to express themselves in six different categories: Dancing, Lip Syncing/Singing, Runway/Model Walking, Open Mic ( Singing, Poetry, Rapping), and Musical Instruments.

The Rainbow Talent Affair is part of the LAYC's Project STRIPES, which is a social outreach club for self-identifying Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning ( LGBTQ) youth. The goal of the program is to provide a safe, supportive space for youth to engage in self-discovery and reflection. Participants explore issues that affect LGBTQ youth, such as coming-out, embracing non-traditional gender roles, coping with and challenging homophobia, and engaging in healthy relationships.

In addition, Project STRIPES participants are trained to provide their peers with HIV, STI, pregnancy prevention education and to raise community awareness about LGBTQ issues.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: LAYC's Project STRIPES

WHAT: 3rd Annual Rainbow Talent Affair dedicated to LGBTQ youth and allies

WHEN: March 1st, 2013 / 5:00-7:30 pm

WHERE: Latin America Youth Center - 1419 Columbia RD NW, Washington, DC 20009