For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Contact: Cheryl Aguilar 202-319-2238

Editors’ note: College Day spokespeople and youth are available for interviews prior to the event. To arrange interviews, please call 202-319-2238.

(Washington, DC) Only 6% of DC youth receive high-intensity college access services, according to the College Success Foundation. In order to raise awareness about higher education opportunities and financial resources, the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) will hold its second annual college day Building Career Pathways on Thursday, April 24, 2008, from 1 to 6 pm.

Following a successful 2007 College Day event attended by more than 300 young people from DC, Building Career Pathways will feature a wide array of representatives from local colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Students will have the opportunity to attend workshops throughout the day where they will hear from established professionals and LAYC alumni now enrolled in college.

“We want our youth to know that whether it is a vocational trade or a four-year degree, higher education provides career paths with growth potential and the opportunity to get higher paying jobs,” said Lori Kaplan, LAYC’s executive director.

Participating organizations include Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute, Smithsonian Museum of American History, Beyond Talent College Readiness Program, Art Institute of Washington, Friends of the National Zoo, Sanz School, DC Office of Apprenticeships, among many others.

“What keeps students from pursuing higher education most of the time is lack of information about opportunities and resources,” said Monica Fernandez, LAYC’s in-school program coordinator. “Through Building Career Pathways, LAYC wants to empower young people to take charge of their own future."

WHAT? Building Career Pathway Annual College Day

WHEN? Thursday, April 24, 2008

WHERE? Latin American Youth Center, 1419 Columbia Road NW, 20009

For more information about the event contact Cindy Pineda at 202-319-3082. For media inquiries contact Cheryl Aguilar at 202-319-2238.