Dafny Irizarry: Somos El Futuro - Advocate Of The Year

Dafny Irizarry (Central Islip) is this year's recipient of Advocate Of  The Year Award, Somos El Futuro Conference. Ms Irizarry is a teacher at the Central Islip School District and the president of the Long Island Latino Teachers Association (LILTA). 

LILTA is a membership organization committed to increasing graduation rates and higher education enrollment, retention and completion of Long Island Latino students. It holds two conferences a year -- one for boys and one for girls -- dedicated to teaching the importance of education and personal accountability. 

Dafny Irizzary with Assemblyman Phil Ramos

Patchogue-Medford HS Students of the Month

Twenty eight percent (28%) of Patchogue-Medford School District students are Latino. So it's great to see that 15 of the 40 students, 37%, recognized as 'students of the month' are of Latino heritage. Very nice! The scholars are: Josue Sorto-Reyes, Abigail Gonzalez-Medina, Charleen Colon, Michael Rivera, Abril Costanza, Venessa Callejo, Carla Castro, Milton Jara, Aaron Rodriguez, Marc Negrin, Fedrik Durao, Noe Martin, Juliana Garcia, Sean Acosta and Yamnia Pena-Peguero. Congratulations!

Patchogue Patch Article

Latino Enrollment % @ Nassau County School Districts

63% WESTBURY SD

58% HEMPSTEAD SD

(57% EVERGREEN CS)

56% FREEPORT SD

44% GLEN COVE SD

43% ROOSEVELT SD

41% UNIONDALE SD

39% LAWRENCE SD

30% VALLEY STREAM 24 SD

29% WEST HEMPSTEAD SD

28% ISLAND PARK SD

28% SEWANHAKA HS DISTRICT

28% VALLEY STREAM 30 SD

24% VALLEY STREAM HS DISTRICT

22% ELMONT SD

22% HICKSVILLE SD

21% LONG BEACH SD

20% BALDWIN SD

19% VALLEY STREAM 13 SD

19% MALVERNE SD

18% MINEOLA SD

17% ISLAND TREES SD

15% EAST MEADOW SD

15% EAST ROCKAWAY SD

15% OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH SD

15% PORT WASHINGTON SD

14% FARMINGDALE SD

13% CARLE PLACE SD

13% FRANKLIN SQUARE SD

12% FLORAL PARK-BELLEROSE SD

11% HEWLETT-WOODMERE SD

11% LEVITTOWN SD

11% NEW HYDE PARK-GARDEN CITY PARK SD

10% LOCUST VALLEY SD

10% OCEANSIDE SD

10% ROCKVILLE CENTRE SD

(10% ROOSEVELT CHILDREN'S CS)

9% LYNBROOK SD

(9% ACADEMY CS)

7% BETHPAGE SD

7% GREAT NECK SD

7% NORTH MERRICK SD

6% NORTH BELLMORE SD

6% ROSLYN SD

5% BELLMORE SD

5% BELLMORE-MERRICK HS DISTRICT

5% HERRICKS SD

5% MERRICK SD

4% NORTH SHORE SD

4% PLAINEDGE SD

4% SEAFORD SD

3% EAST WILLISTON SD

3% MANHASSET SD

3% PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE SD

3% WANTAGH SD

2% JERICHO SD

2% MASSAPEQUA SD

2% SYOSSET SD

1% GARDEN CITY SD

*NYS Ed Dept data for 2010-11 school year

Latino Enrollment % @ Suffolk County Public Schools

75% BRENTWOOD SD

52% CENTRAL ISLIP SD

50% TUCKAHOE SD

47% COPIAGUE SD

47% SPRINGS SD

42% HAMPTON BAYS SD

38% EAST HAMPTON SD

(38% CHILD DVLPMNT CENTER CS)

35% AMITYVILLE SD

33% BAY SHORE SD

33% GREENPORT SD

32% HUNTINGTON SD

32% WYANDANCH SD

31% BRIDGEHAMPTON SD

(29% RIVERHEAD CS)

28% MONTAUK SD

28% PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD SD

25% SOUTH COUNTRY SD

25% SOUTH HUNTINGTON SD

25% SOUTHAMPTON SD

24% RIVERHEAD SD

19% BROOKHAVEN-COMSEWOGUE SD

19% FIRE ISLAND SD

18% WAINSCOTT SD

18% WILLIAM FLOYD SD

16% ISLIP SD

16% NORTH BABYLON SD

15% DEER PARK SD

14% LINDENHURST SD

14% SAG HARBOR SD

(13% LITTLE FLOWER SD)

13% LONGWOOD SD

13% WEST BABYLON SD

11% AMAGANSETT SD

11% EAST ISLIP SD

11% ELWOOD SD

11% MIDDLE COUNTRY SD

11% SOUTHOLD SD

10% WESTHAMPTON BEACH SD

9% EAST QUOGUE SD

8% BABYLON SD

8% CENTER MORICHES SD

8% OYSTERPONDS SD

8% REMSENBURG-SPEONK SD

7% CONNETQUOT SD

7% SACHEM SD

6% HAUPPAUGE SD

6% ROCKY POINT SD

6% SAGAPONACK SD

6% WEST ISLIP SD

5% HALF HOLLOW HILLS SD

5% HARBORFIELDS SD

5% MATTITUCK-CUTCHOGUE SD

5% QUOGUE SD

5% SHELTER ISLAND SD

4% COMMACK SD

4% EAST MORICHES SD

4% EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR SD

4% MILLER PLACE SD

4% NORTHPORT-EAST NORTHPORT SD

4% SAYVILLE SD

3% BAYPORT-BLUE POINT SD

3% FISHERS ISLAND SD

3% MT SINAI SD

3% PORT JEFFERSON SD

3% SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER SD

3% SMITHTOWN SD

3% THREE VILLAGE SD

2% KINGS PARK SD

1% COLD SPRING HARBOR SD

0% NEW SUFFOLK SD

*NYS Ed Dept data for 2010-11 school year

Briarcliffe College President Santiago Receives Honors

Dr. George Santiago Jr., president of Briarcliffe College (Long Island City, Bethpage & Patchogue N.Y.) and a prominent advocate of advanced education opportunities within the Hispanic community, received the 2009 Nassau County Hispanic Heritage Award and was named Educator of the Year by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Alarmed by the underrepresentation of Hispanics in America's colleges, Santiago has committed to reaching out, including financial support through the Briarcliffe College Hispanic Scholarship Program.

Source: The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine

Hofstra to Celebrate Suburban Diversity

Hofstra University is hosting a Celebration of Suburban Diversity banquet this fall to raise funds for scholarships and research. It's part of a conference on the "The Diverse Suburb," scheduled for October 22, 2009, 6 p.m., at the university's David S. Mack Student Center.

"The evening will feature inspiring speeches and dramatic presentations, as well as musical performances, art work and awards to students and others."

It's great that Hofstra recognizes that the island's (and Hofstra's ) future is directly tied to the region's exploding racial/ethnic diversify. Hey, late is better than never, right?

Q: Why then are the folks fighting nativism (in its many local guises) missing among the conference planners and speakers? Where is Dr. Valenzuela, Sister Margaret Smith, Patrick Young, Maryann Slutsky, Nadia Marin, Rev. Allen Ramirez, Rev. Dwight Lee Wolter, et al?

Just asking.

Photo: Hofstra towers.

Lydia Cacho Ribeiro: My Life Under the Gun - 3/11/09 @ Shelter Rock

The UUCSR Shelter Rock Forum presents

MY LIFE UNDER THE GUN

Lydia Cacho

Wednesday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation
@ Shelter Rock
48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset

Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho, who also runs a shelter for battered women and children in Cancun, has exposed a web of business and political elites behind a child pornography ring there. She has been detained and harassed by authorities, received numerous death threats and survived to win international human rights prizes from Amnesty International, UNESCO and the U.S. State Department. Since her expose the list of her enemies has grown to include some of the most powerful men in Mexico. In the last eight years at least 21 reporters in Mexico have been killed. Her international visibility has kept Cacho alive.

Cacho is donating her speaking fee to her shelter for battered women and Children, CIAM Cancun (www.CIAMcancun.org/eng)

Suggested donation $5

Click here for directions

For more information: UUCSR Shelter Rock Forum 516-627-6560, ext 122

Co-Sponsors: UUCSR Women’s Group, UUCSR Men’s Group, Amnesty International USA Group 74, Great Neck SANE/Peace Action, LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives

Links:
The Demons of Eden/Los Demonios de Eden - The Documentary (see following post for the film)
los demonios del eden el documental's Flicker photostream
Mexico's Most Wanted Journalist - MotherJones
lydiacacho.net - Blog in Spanish
Lydia Cacho on LibertadLatina.org
lydiacacho - MexicoReporter.com
Lydia Cacho on the dangers for journalists in Mexico - MexicoReporter.com YouTube Interview
Horror Story: Lydia Cacho's Exposé of Pedophilia Has Her Critics Up in Arms -Washington Post
Attempted assassination of prominent Mexican human rights defender - Frontline
Honoring Lydia Cacho - Amnesty International
Defender of Women and Children against Trafficking - Every Human Has Rights

Taino Roots on Native America Calling - 2.5.09

Before it was Puerto Rico, it was known to the Taino people as Borinquen – “land of the brave noble lord.” Many of today’s Puerto Ricans, both those born on the island and in the states, trace their indigenous roots to Taino ancestors.

One geneticist discovered 3 out of 5 native Puerto Ricans have remnants of Taino DNA streaming through their blood. As the legacy of the Taino people of the Caribbean is rediscovered, what is turning Puerto Ricans back to their Borinquen roots?

Native America Calling's Special Guest: Roberto Mukaro Agueibana Borrero, President and Chairman of the United Confederation of Taino People.

Thursday, February 5, 2009, 1-2pm EST

To participate: call 1-800-996-2848, that's 1-800-99-NATIVE

TO LISTEN ONLINE:

KNBA-FM 90.3 Anchorage, Alaska

NV1 Albuquerque, NM

KISU 91.1 FM Pocatello, Idaho

KUNM-FM 89.9 FM Albuquerque, New Mexico

KSJD 91.5 Cortez, Colorado

KSUT-FM 91.3 FM Ignacio, Colorado

KSFC 91.9 FM Spokane, Washington

WOJB-FM 88.9 FM Hayward, Wisconsin

KGVA-FM 88.1 Fort Belknap, Montana

Intel Finalists - Muy Brainy & Diverse

Once again, New York leads the country with 9 finalists in the prestigious Intel science competition -- that's 22% of the total. Seven of the brainy New Yorkers are from Long Island counties; 1 is from New York County (Manhattan); and 1 is from Westchester County.

New York also had the most semi-finalists with 114 (or 38% of the total 300 semi-finalists); California with 22 was a second.

LI region finalists:

Kings County
Adam Benjamin Sealfon (Stuyvesant High School)

Nassau County
Chelsea Lynn Jurman, Roslyn (Roslyn High School)

Queens County
Josepher Li, Flushing (Bronx High School of Science)
Anissa Yuenming Mak, Oakland Gardens (Stuyvesant High School)

Suffolk County
Preya Shah, Setauket (Ward Melville High School)
Christine Lee Shrock, Setauket (Ward Melville High School)
Patrick Jeffrey Abejar, Smithtown (Smithtown High School West)

Each finalist receives a $5,000 in scholarship, a new laptop computer and an expense-paid trip to the finals at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC this March. They'll also visit Congress. Previous finalists have met with the president or vice president and congressional leaders — including in a recent year when then-Sen. Barack Obama introduced himself.

The big prize: $100,000; with $75,000 for the runner-up and $50,000 for third place.

Photo by Tony Jerome: (L to R) Christine Lee Shrock, Preya Shah, Patrick Jeffrey Abejar, Chelsea Lynn Jurman

Link:
Intel Science Talent Search 2009 Finalists

Hempstead's Barack Obama Elementary School

On Thursday night, the Hempstead School District in Long Island voted to rename Ludlum Elementary School, Barack Obama Elementary School. The school is diverse with a large Latino and African American student body and the students and staff requested the name change to honor this diversity and the election of the first African American president. Before the election, the students had mock debates and a mock election.

The board and staff of this under-performing school district must now ensure a quality education for all of its children. That's the only honest way to honor its mission and the name of President-elect Obama.

LI Latino Educators to be Honored at Dowling College

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Dowling College's Center for Minority Teacher Development and Training will be celebrating Latinos in Education by hosting “Yes We Can” along with The Long Island Latino Teachers Association.

This event will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Fortunoff Hall Ballroom at the Rudolph Campus in Oakdale.

The goal of this event is to recognize extraordinary Latino educators who are positive role models and have contributed to the growth of our society. New York Regent Dr. Betty A. Rosa will also be recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of Education.

The exemplary list of speakers includes;

Ms. Betzaida Molina, ’91, (Elementary teacher)
Mr. Luis Alcantara, ’07, (Biology teacher)
Dr. Carmela Leonardi (School Principal)
Dr. Ada Nieves-Brull (School Psychologist)
Ms. Julie Burgos (School Social Worker)
Dr. Elsa-Sophie Morote (Dowling College Professor)
Dr. Hector Sepulveda (College Dean)
Dr. Myrka Gonzales (Dowling College Trustee Board Member)

Photo: Dr. Betty Rosa

OLA's Children's Art Project Features Hector de Cordova

Through the generosity of the town of Southampton, OLA of Eastern Long Island, a Latino advocacy group, has received a grant once again for the Children’s Art Project.

The purpose of the painting workshops is to bring children of different racial and ethnic backgrounds together in order to foster greater understanding and mutual respect for each other.

Established artist, Hector de Cordova will work with youths, ages 8 to 12 from diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in this intensive painting instruction to be held at the Veteran’s Hall in Southampton.

The project will culminate in three exhibits of the children’s work; at Veteran’s Hall and Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton and at Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport.

The Children’s Art Project is currently looking for children who can fit the profile of the workshop.

The classes will be held at the Veteran’s Hall in Southampton beginning on Monday July 21 through Friday July 25. Classes will be from 10am to one pm each day. Classes are free and enrollment is limited.

Please contact the deCordova Gallery at 631-477-0620 or e mail at decordovastudio@optonline.net.

Napoleón Barragán Gives Back

A diminutive, handsome man whose graying hair is combed neatly back from his forehead, Napoleón Barragán, the founder, owner and CEO of 1-800-Mattress.com, imparts some of his creative approach to business — along with instruction on a range of business skills — to students of Newcomers High School in Long Island City and of Queens College, who participate in an internship program he has developed.

From February to June, students come to the corporate headquarters of 1-800-Mattress.com, the largest retailer of bedding by phone in the U.S., where they work in departments including marketing, sales, human resources, customer service and legal operations.

"They get the chance to learn how to manage a business, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," says Barragán.

Having immigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador in 1968 at age 27, Barragán feels an obligation to give back, particularly to other Latinos trying to make it in the U.S.

"I'm grateful to this country but I don't forget where I came from," he says. "I say [to the students], 'If I can achieve something, you can do better, because you are better prepared.' "

More

Related:
Napoleón Barragán, fundador de 1-800-Matress recibió la Condecoración Nacional al Mérito en Nueva York

Napoléon Barragán de 1-800-Mattress

1-800-Mattress: Founded by Napoleon Barragan with $2,000

Because a Guy from Ecuador Can Sell Soda Off the Back of a Donkey, Then Come Here and Build a $120 Million Business—All It Takes Is a Few Mattresses and an 800 Number

LI Immigrant Alliance Offers Workshop

Long Island Immigrant Alliance

Presents
A PUBLIC EDUCATION WORKSHOP

DISPELLING MYTHS ABOUT
IMMIGRANTS

The current anti-immigrant climate is contributing to human rights abuses and is dividing our communities. We at LIIA are launching a public education campaign to counter anti-immigrant rhetoric, educate our communities, and dispel myths about immigration. Attend to learn how to educate those in your community and your place of work. Join us in speaking out for immigrants on Long Island.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19TH
6-8PM
TOURO LAW SCHOOL
Central Islip

RSVP:

luis.valenzuela@yahoo.com or jessiearock@gmail.com

American Jewish Committee∙Hofstra University∙Jobs with Justice∙LION∙LI WINS∙Workplace Project

Latino K-12 Enrollment: Suffolk County

According the the New York State Education Department's School District Reports (05-06), Latino student enrollment in Suffolk County public schools is growing rapidly.

For example, over two-thirds (68%) of students in the Brentwood Union Free School District were of Latino heritage. Fifty-five percent (55%) of Central Islip Union Free School District's students were Latino. And the Springs Union Free School District's Latinos comprised 37% of the student enrollment.

The following is a ranking of Suffolk County's public school districts by Latino enrollment, including percentage of enrollment and number of persons (as per NYSED’s School District Reports 05/06):

68% - Brentwood (12018)
55% - Central Islip (3383)
37% - Springs (201)36% - Copiague (1709)
33% - Hampton Bays (590)
32% - Bridgehampton (46)
30% - Montauk (105)
30% - Tuckahoe (96)
28% - East Hampton (564)
26% - Amityville (705)
26% - Bayshore (1502)
23% - Huntington (991)
22% - New Suffolk (2)
21% - South Country (957)
20% - Greenport (132)
19% - Wyandanch (391)
18% - Little Flower (17)
18% - Patchogue-Medford (1531)
17% - South Huntington (1026)
17% - Southampton (272)
15% - Riverhead (725)
15% - William Floyd (1507)
14% - Brookhaven-Comsewogue (557)
14% - Wainscott (2)
13% - Longwood (1204)
12% - Amaganset (10)
12% - North Babylon (590)
11% - Deer Park (459)
10% - Lindenhurst (749)
9% - Middle Country (976)
9% - West Babylon (419)
8% - East Quogue (38)
8% - Elwood (203)
8% - Islip (281)
8% - Remsenburg-Speonk (16)
8% - Westhampton (140)
7% - Center Moriches (102)
7% - Oysterponds (7)
6% - Babylon (119)
5% - Connetquot (357)
5% - East Islip (255)
5% - Hauppauge (189)
5% - Southold (54)
5% - Quogue (5)
4% - East Moriches (32)
4% - Eastport-South Manor (138)
4% - Half Hollow Hills (398)
4% - Harborfields (135)
4% - Rocky Point (135)
3% - Bayport-Bluepoint (70)
3% - Commack (205)
3% - Fishers Island (2)
3% - Kings Park (111)
3% - Northport-East Northport (203)
3% - Miller Place (85)
3% - Port Jefferson (40)
3% - Smithtown (286)
3% - Three Village (241)
2% - Fire Island (1)
2% - Mattituck-Cutchogue (37)
2% - Mount Sinai (48)
2% - Shoreham Wading River (57)
2% - West Islip (97)
1% - Cold Spring Harbor (13)
1% - Shelter Island (2)

Source: School Districts in SUFFOLK County

Latino K-12 Enrollment: Nassau County

According the the New York State Education Department's School District Reports (05-06), Latino student enrollment in Nassau County public schools is growing rapidly.

For example, over half (53%) of the Westbury Union Free School District students in 2005/06 were of Latino heritage. Forty Nine (49%) of the Freeport Union Free School District students were Latino. And the Hempstead Union Free School District's Latinos comprised 46% of its student enrollment.

The following is a ranking of Nassau County's 57 public school districts by Latino enrollment, including percentage of enrollment and number of persons (as per NYSED’s School District Reports 05/06):

53% - Westbury (2018)
49% - Freeport (3191)
46% - Hempstead (2793)
37% - Glen Cove (1106)
32% - Uniondale* (1997)
29% - Lawrence (979)
27% - Valley Stream 24 (286)
27% - Valley Stream 30 (389)
23% - West Hempstead (540)
22% - Island Park (164)
21% - Long Beach (875)
21% - Roosevelt* (588)
20% - Elmont (777)
20% - Valley Stream HSD (893)
18% - Hicksville (972)
17% - Baldwin (921)
17% - Mineola (437)
16% - Valley Stream 13 (342)
15% - Malverne (245)
14% - Port Washington (689)
13% - Sewanhaka (1126)
13% - Oyster Bay-East Norwich (206)
12% - East Meadow (918)
11% - Farmingdale (709)
11% - New Hyde Park (194)
10% - Carle Place (151)
10% - Rockville Centre (370)
10% - Roslyn (148)
9% - Floral Park-Bellerose (137)
9% - Franklin Square (168)
9% - Island Trees (260)
8% - Hewlett-Woodmere (247)
8% - Levittown (605)
8% - Locust Valley (194)
8% - Lynbrook (253)
7% - East Rockaway (88)
7% - Great Neck (433)
7% - Oceanside (434)
6% - North Merrick (84)
5% - Bethpage (157)
4% - Herricks (187)
4% - Merrick (76)
4% - North Bellmore (102)
4% - North Shore (120)
3% - Bellmore-Merrick (180)
3% - Bellmore (40)
3% - East Williston (58)
3% - Manhasset (86)
3% - Plainedge (126)
3% - Wantagh (102)
2% - Garden City (69)
2% - Massapequa (155)
2% - Plainview-Old Bethpage (99)
2% - Seaford (63)
2% - Syosset (117)
1% - Jericho (45)

* NYS District Report 2004-05

Source: School Districts in NASSAU County

Open House at LIU-Hispanic Counseling Center March 12 on Masters of Social Work Program

Brookville, N.Y. – Hispanics are one of the fastest-growing ethnic populations in the United States with Census projections forecasting more than 60 million living here by 2025. A 2006 study by the National Association of Social Workers and the Center for Workforce Studies found that 77 percent of licensed social workers in the U.S. serve at least some Hispanic or Latino clients.

In order to meet the needs and properly treat Hispanic individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations, social workers must take into account not only behaviors, but various biological, psychological and social factors.

Professionals who speak fluent Spanish or wish to serve the Hispanic community can learn more about graduate programs leading to a Master of Social Work degree by attending an open house sponsored by the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University Department of Social Work on Wednesday, March 12 at the Hispanic Counseling Center, 344 Fulton Ave., in Hempstead from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Faculty and advisors will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about degree programs, career opportunities, admissions and financial assistance. Interested students should contact the Department of Social Work at (516) 299-3924.

The two-year M.S.W. program will feature bilingual instructors who will focus on the special needs of the Hispanic community by bridging the language gap and encouraging cultural competency in a segment of the population that is underserved.

For more information about the Master of Social Work degree program contact Betsy Klipera, Social Work Program coordinator, at (516) 299-3924 or e-mail betsy.klipera@liu.edu. Visit the social work Web site at www.liu.edu/socialwork.

The Borinqueneers: March 11th, 10PM, WNET

A one-hour version of THE BORINQUENEERS will air on WNET Channel 13, Tuesday, March 11th at 10pm. The acclaimed documentary on the all-Latino 65th Infantry was produced Raquel Ortiz and narrated by Hector Elizondo. Make sure to let your family and friends know about it!

For more information on the film visit www.borinqueneers.com.

Latinos 14% of Port Washington Students

According '06-'07 state data, Latinos in Port Washington public schools were 14 percent of the student enrollment? Additionally, Asians comprised 12.6 percent and African Americans 2.1 percent.

Hispanic College Fund Call for Applicants

Scholarship Applications for the 2008-2009 academic year now available

Washington, DC--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--January 8, 2007--Scholarship applications for the 2008-2009 academic year are available online at The Hispanic College Fund's website. Scholarship amounts range from $500 - $10,000 and are for one-year only. All scholarship recipients must re-apply each year. The average scholarship awarded is$3,000.

Applications are ONLINE and require an essay, resumé and letter of recommendation. We do not accept any paper applications. Deadlines for our scholarships vary from February 1st, 2008 to March 15th, 2008.

The Hispanic College Fund offers several scholarships through its scholarship program. You must plan to attend a college or a university as a full-time student for the entire academic year in order to be eligible for a Hispanic College Fund scholarship. Only students who are U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in the United States or Puerto Rico and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible.

In 2007 the Hispanic College Fund awarded over $1.8 million in scholarships to 615 students.

To learn more go to http://www.hispanicfund.org/ and begin your application!