Message from President and CEO: Ron Gonzales
I would like to personally thank our supporters for attending our first virtual Hispanic Foundation Ball with over 300 attendees, we raised close to $80,000 on this magical night! With the help of our supporters and our sponsors we raised close to $500K in support of our programs through the Hispanic Foundation Ball Campaign. We couldn’t have done it without you!
While we are determined to end the year strong, there is no denying COVID-19 has made the digital divide a canyon for Latino students. Please take a moment to read the op-ed that I recently wrote to learn more about the crippling effect of learning loss our students face. To read the full article click here.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Honoring the generations of Hispanic and Latinx Americans who have contributed and enriched American society and culture, is especially vital during National Hispanic Heritage Month. It is an opportunity for all of us to take a moment and reflect on the achievements we have accomplished together and recognize our strength in unity.
The Hispanic Foundation would like to thank Dell – Latino Connection, Genentech – Vida, NetApp – LUNA, Guild Education, and Form Factor for the opportunity to talk about the advancement in the quality of life for Latinos in Silicon Valley. With roots of compassion and caring for one another, we look forward to continuing the conversation for future generations.
Hispanic Foundation College Success Center
We continue to innovate and adapt the programs of the Hispanic Foundation College Success Center to our new virtual reality. In the months of September and October, we added new programs that have been very well received by the families we serve.
61 parents attended the Google Classroom workshop to learn how to navigate this system and support their children as they attend school virtually. Thank you to the Google volunteers who supported this program.
El Noticiero Digital de la Fundación Hispana
Melissa Canela, our great Program Associate, introduced our newsletter in Spanish: El Noticiero Digital de la Fundación Hispana. Parents can now read news about the Hispanic Foundation and upcoming programs in a monthly newsletter in Spanish.
Parent Education Academy
With our parent education partner Familias Unidas, United Through Education, we introduced Science is Elementary (SiE). SiE’s after-school program combines weekly live video meetings with offline hands-on experimentation using readily available household materials… showing them that Science is Everywhere. This parent education workshop began in mid-October at Hoover Elementary School in San Mateo County and is expected to wrap up in early December.
We are also supporting three parent education academies by our partner Parent Institute for Quality Education. This week 51 parents graduated from the workshop at Hillsdale High School. Ravenswood Middle School in San Mateo County, and Silver Creek High School in Santa Clara County will have graduations soon. Additionally, we have two Family Engagement Institute workshops happening in partnership with KIPP Network and Breakthrough Silicon Valley in Santa Clara County.
Girls Who Code
At Hoover Middle School in San Jose, the Hispanic Foundation launched three virtual Girls Who Code workshops. 63 students began by sharing their own definitions of computer science and got started on their coding journey by creating a virtual dance party!
Partner Spotlight
Last but not least, one of our key program partners is Dr. Roxanne Ocampo, Founder & CEO of Quetzal Mama.In this Partner Spotlight Director of Programs, Lisa Anna Dominguez connects with Dr. Ocampo as she offers insights into the lives of students, parents, and community as we continue to navigate through this pandemic. To read the full article click here.