[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        LOS ANGELES STUDENTS RECEIVING THE ``TOOLS FOR SUCCESS''

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                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 1995
  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Miller Brewing 
Company and the Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) for 
establishing the ``Tools for Success' Scholarship Program.
  Since it began 4 years ago, the scholarship program has built a 
nationwide reputation and expanded into six more cities. Instead of 
awarding students with scholarship funds, ``Tools for Success'' 
provides graduates with the actual tools they will need to excel in 
their profession. Whether it is automotive repair or fashion design, 
students embarking on a career will have both the skills and the 
implements to compete in the marketplace.
  The top two graduates from 16 selected trade professions at Los 
Angeles Trade Technical College are honored annually. Each of the 32 
honorees will receive a complete set of tools to help them begin their 
career. Since Miller Brewing started the Tools for Success Program more 
than 100 graduates have benefitted. Each honoree receives a set of 
tools donated by Snap-On Tools, valued between $1,500 and $2,000. 
Southern California Edison is also a partner in making this nationwide 
program a reality. Each of the scholarship sponsors deserves credit for 
developing a well-trained workforce that will stand ready to face the 
challenges of the 21st century.
  Unfortunately, congressional duties will prevent me from attending 
the fourth annual awards ceremony. I say this partly because the 
College's renowed culinary arts students will prepare the awards 
luncheon.
  The program is the brainchild of Victor Franco, Public Relations 
Manager, Miller Brewing Company at the Irwindale Brewery. Victor 
realized that vocational students have often been shortchanged at the 
scholarship table. Ninety percent of vocational graduates are required 
to have their own tools before they are hired. Often students cannot 
afford to make the large investment. By putting the tools in their 
hand, the students are well on their way to finding a job and honing 
their skills in the working world.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring their year's 
Tools for Success scholarship awardees and to all of the individuals 
who have made this program thrive.


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