[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 158 (Tuesday, October 27, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 27, 2015

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 
25th Anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational 
Excellence for Hispanics. Since 1990, the initiative has played a 
critical role in advocating for and advancing policies that have helped 
our community grow.
  While our work is not done, as we conclude Hispanic Heritage Month, 
it is important for us to celebrate our progress. Our nation's high 
school graduation rate is the highest in history, and the Latino 
dropout rate is half of what it was in 2000.
  More importantly, however, we must recognize the work that remains 
and those committed to doing it. Earlier this year, the Department of 
Education issued a national call for commitments to action for 
Hispanics in education. The initiative aimed to encourage private, 
public and nonprofit investments to create and/or expand high quality 
educational services. The results were astounding; 150 Commitments to 
Action with a collective investment of over $335 million.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the commitment of an 
organization in my district, the Mariachi Music Education Initiative, 
who has committed nearly $900,000 over three years for music education.
  It's commitments like this, and those of the other 149 organizations 
that will help our community prosper. Together, through the work and 
contributions of public, private and nonprofit organizations, we will 
continue working to close the achievement gap, and ensure every child 
in America has the tools and opportunity they need to succeed.

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