10 National Latino Education Institute Students Receive Educational Grants

Left to right: Figueroa, Public Affairs Manager, Nielsen; Claudia Alvarez, Nielsen grant recipient

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI), Nielsen, and the Mexican Consulate partnered to award educational grants to 10 NLEI students, providing much needed financial assistance. Additionally, NLEI recognized their 2011 Hispanic Hero. WGN anchor/reporter Lourdes Duarte served as master of ceremonies for the event.

The outstanding students were chosen from a very competitive pool. All of the students considered for a grant carried an “A” average. The winners were chosen based on their excellence in math and technology, participation in the Healthcare Programs, an essay, and financial need. “Education provides the basic building blocks that allow individuals to compete in today’s changing workforce and global economy. These grants help supplement the rising costs of education, allowing students to get a step closer to achieving their educational dream,” said Elba Aranda-Suh, Executive Director, NLEI.

NLEI’s participants are Latino’s with a median age of 27 who are primarily the head-of-household and would qualify as working poor. Their students are fully capable and passionate about furthering their education but have been unable to do so because of financial hardships, lack of resources, and other social economic challenges.  NLEI provides students with an opportunity to receive a training accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and approved by the Illinois and U.S. Boards of Education.

Left Front: Elba Aranda-Suh, Executive Director, National Latino Education Institute; Vanessa Figueroa, Public Affairs Manager, Nielsen; Dr. Rosita Lopez, Professor of Educational Leadership in the College of Education at Northern Illinois University (NIU) Back: Lourdes Duarte, News Co-Anchor, WGN-TV; Gladys Santiago, Director of Institutional Advancement, National Latino Education Institute

Nielsen, which is committed to investing in educational institutions, civic and social justice organizations and grassroots initiatives, provided $5,000 in support of students who had demonstrated excellence in math and technology.  “Nielsen is proud to partner with the National Latino Education Institute. As a global research company committed to investing in education and multicultural communities, we are thrilled to support the NLEI’s commitment in providing their students with an engaging, educational arena to succeed in,” said Vanessa Figueroa, public affairs manager, Nielsen. The grants will provide four of NLEI’s best students, who also have the greatest need, with an opportunity to further their education.

NLEI recognized keynote speaker, Dr. Rosita Lopez, as their 2011 Hispanic Hero. During her speech, Dr. Lopez touched on her experience as a high school dropout and delivered a message of rising above circumstances and reaching your potential. She emphasized the critical role education plays in striving for financial self-sufficiency. Dr. Lopez is an esteemed professor of Education Administration and Leadership at Northern Illinois University and the Chairperson to the Board of Directors to Casa Central, one of the largest Hispanic non-profit organizations in the United States.

National Latino Education Institute is a non-profit private vocational business school advocating education and career training as well as employment for Latinos in the private and public sectors. Its vision is to help Latinos become involved in their educational development that sets them as role models for their children and community, and enables achievement of economic independence.