[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 157 (Monday, October 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON 
                  EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR HISPANICS

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                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 26, 2015

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the 
25th anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational 
Excellence for Hispanics. The initiative, established in 1990, has 
sought to address the educational disparities faced by the Hispanic 
community. This year, the White House launched the Bright Spots catalog 
to commemorate the initiative's success. This newly created resource 
honors organizations around the country significantly furthering the 
educational attainment of the Hispanic community.
  While there are 230 programs included in the catalog, I would like to 
honor three organizations in California's 51 District: Barrio Logan 
College Institute, Reality Changers, and the San Ysidro Vanguard 
Education Foundation.
  Barrio Logan College Institute, established in 2007, is a nonprofit 
working to provide disadvantaged students with the opportunity to 
attend college. The organization begins working with students in third 
grade and continues providing support and guidance throughout high 
school. Since its creation, 100 percent of its graduates have gone on 
to college.
  Reality Changers was founded in 2001 in an attempt to better prepare 
disadvantaged Hispanic youth for college. By establishing various 
support systems and college readiness programs, the organization has 
seen 97 percent of its students become first generation college 
students.
  San Ysidro Vanguard Education Foundation was created in 2012 to 
address the racial and ethnic disparities within the San Ysidro School 
District. The organization focuses on early learning, college access, 
Latino teacher recruitment, and STEM education.
  Again, I would like to extend my admiration and sincere appreciation 
for all the work that these groups continue to do for our community.

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