One look at Latino college achievement rates in the United States and it’s obvious that there are significant challenges facing Latino students. Issues of access, cultural sensitivity, academic and social support and, academic preparation, all combine to make it difficult for many Latino students to stay and graduate from college with high-quality degrees. That’s why several years ago, Hispanic Federation created the CREAR Futuros program. The program employs a "communities of care" model that provides multi-layered support for Latino college students. The goal is to ensure that CREAR students stay connected throughout their college lives to individuals and institutions invested in their success.
For Crear Futuros participants the program includes special classes in their universities, support from peer mentors, academic guidance and support, and access to events that provide an opportunity to build networks with other students and with leaders in business, the arts and the nonprofit sector. One such event was the recent Spring Kick Off hosted by The Coca-Cola Company at their office in Midtown Manhattan. Students had a chance to network and hear from speakers including newly-elected U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat.
“This was a great opportunity for the students to meet and network, and we're just so grateful to Coca-Cola for providing us a wonderful space from which to do so,” said Hispanic Federation President José Calderón. “It was also great for our college students to hear from Congressman Espaillat who, in many ways, symbolizes the possibilities open to our kids. Having a formerly undocumented CUNY graduate talk about education was an opportunity that was really special.”
Coca-Cola is hosting the next CREAR Futuros Latino Leaders Day event on April 28th. CREAR Futuros Latino Leaders Day Event is an exclusive opportunity for City University of New York students to meet and speak with Latino executives. Students gain insight to a wide variety of professional careers available at The Coca-Cola Company and learn more about the steps needed to achieve success. After a panel discussion, students will be provided with an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Coca-Cola’s facilities, as well as a brief leadership training session.
For more information on the CREAR Futuros Program, please contact Jessica Guzman.
