Welcome Message from CHCI Leaders

Dear CHCI Friend:

This September, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) celebrates 31 years as the nation’s leading organization bringing together accomplished public, private, civic and labor leaders in support of programs with the collective goal to develop the next generation of Latino leaders. CHCI serves more than 500,000 students, parents and educators through comprehensive leadership development programs, scholarships, and online educational services.

Over the last 15 years, the number of Latinos under age 24 – CHCI’s target - has doubled reaching more than 19.5 million. By the year 2020, this group will grow to more than 27.5 million. In partnership with national lawmakers, top influential corporations, and labor leaders, CHCI is working to meet the growing demands of the Latino youth population explosion by expanding and strengthening its programs today:

•  Congressional Internship, Public Policy Fellowship, and Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Programs bring aspiring young Latinos to Washington, D.C. to learn first-hand how the legislative process works and to witness how they can influence legislation, gaining hands-on experience at the national level.
• Scholarship Awards provided 135 scholarships for college students attending two-year, four-year, and graduate school programs in 2007. This year, CHCI plans on awarding 200 scholarships to help at-risk students in need of financial assistance.
•  Ready to Lead (R2L) – CHCI’s newest and fastest growing program - targets high school students in different cities across the country. Participants learn how to prepare for college, manage their finances, and become civically involved in their communities. In 2008, CHCI will conduct R2L workshops in Miami, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, and San Antonio.

Over the last three decades, CHCI’s prestigious events have been the hallmark of Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM). HHM events are a key part of CHCI’s continuous, yearlong relationship with its sponsors, friends, and supporters. These events afford sponsors the opportunity to contribute and directly affect the lives of CHCI interns, Fellows, and scholars. CHCI HHM events for this year include:

•  The Public Policy Conference, September 7-9, 2008 at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center gathers national leaders to address issues relevant to the Hispanic community.
•  Reyes of Comedy Night, September 9, 2008 provides an unforgettable evening as Hispanic comedians take the historic Warner Theater stage for two hours of non-stop laughter and fun.
•  At the 31st Annual Gala, September 10, 2008 at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, CHCI will celebrate HHM with an all-out bash. The Gala is CHCI’s top fundraising source, with all proceeds benefiting its programs.

On behalf of CHCI’s Board of Directors and staff, we thank you in advance for your continued generosity in support of CHCI’s mission to advance and uplift the next generation of Latino leaders. We look forward to seeing you on the golf course in May and at the 2008 Public Policy Conference and Gala in September!