Mission
The mission of the LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) is to provide educational and leadership development opportunities to create lifelong learners and leaders within the Hispanic community. We seek to develop America’s future workforce by effectively preparing young people for the jobs of the new economy.
History
For forty-six years, LNESC has focused on creating a comprehensive suite of developmentally appropriate educational initiatives. As the educational arm of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights organization, LNESC is uniquely positioned to initiate programs aimed at meeting the academic and social needs of the Latino community. In 1968, a San Francisco LULAC Council developed a financial aid and college admissions outreach program designed to assist academically gifted but disadvantaged youth in gaining access to college. Based on the success of this program, the LULAC National Office won a grant from the Federal Office of Economic Opportunity in 1973 to provide these services on a national level. Shortly after, the LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. was established as a separately incorporated entity with its own governing board and independent control of its programs.
Proven Success
Through our education and technology centers nationwide, LNESC has served over 607,000 students, sent 159,000 students on to college, and awarded over $30 million in scholarships. LNESC’s results are made possible by a network of dedicated field staff, top-notch teachers, over ninety school partners, and the support of LULAC.
LNESC's
Theory of Change
LNESC uses a unique set of strategies that dramatically improve educational outcomes for the students we serve. These programs ensure Latino students are motivated and prepared to make the most of the educational opportunities available to them.
Target those in need
LNESC’s programs target the most vulnerable Latino students: those who are academically at-risk, low income and potentially the first in their families to go to college. By leveling the playing field for these students, LNESC helps them to compete academically with their more advantaged peers
Leverage an Impact
LNESC’s programs leverage in-kind support and the pro bono work of students, parents, volunteers, teachers, mentors, and the employees of our sponsors to dramatically expand the impact of the financial support we receive. Consequently, we deliver the most cost-effective yet impactful Latino educational programs in the country
Act as a Catalyst
LNESC programs act as a catalyst, driving educational excellence at crucial points in a Latino student’s education. We target the specific age cohorts and academic disciplines where Latino students have historically fallen behind and we utilize intensive intervention strategies to ensure students excel in the very subjects where Latino students often struggle.
Instill Pride
LNESC’s programs instill pride in culture and heritage, exposing students to successful Latino mentors and role models to expand the realm of career options the students can see themselves pursuing after graduation. Our nationwide network of Latino professional volunteers can relate to the Latino educational experience and provide valuable advice on how to succeed.
Motivate Students
LNESC focuses on motivating students to succeed through entertaining hands-on academic exercises, experiential field trips, and enlisting parents, peers and role models to create a culture of academic excellence. Students who fall in love with learning perform exponentially better than students who dread going to class
The Urgency of Now
The explosive growth of the Latino population in the United States carries profound implications for all Americans. Already there are 59 million Latinos in the country, comprising almost 19% of the U.S. population and Latinos will soon make up fully one third of the US population by 2030. Today, one out of every three babies born in America is Latino, and Hispanic youth already make up a similar percentage of public school enrollment. With our nation’s employers increasingly requiring skilled and highly educated employees, the future productivity of the United States is largely dependent upon the educational success of Latino students.
Site Locations
Our unparalleled network of education centers are at the forefront of helping disadvantaged students across the United States and Puerto Rico. Each center is unique, but every center’s foundation starts with our Department of Education TRIO Programs, known as Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math & Science, and/or Talent Search. From there, centers offer an array of programs, depending on the needs of local students and partner focus. These programs offer an array of comprehensive interventions including college access, literacy, science, technology, health, and leadership development.
Site Locations
Programs
Partnerships
Much of LNESC’s success is due to the strong partnerships we’ve formed with some of our nation’s leading corporations and organizations. Their commitment to educational opportunity for all and support of LNESC’s mission ensures deserving students from across the United States and Puerto Rico can benefit from our high quality educational and leadership development programs.
Thank you
