¡HICA!’s Engaging in Education Project receives $15,000 contribution from AT&T Aspire

¡HICA!’s Engaging in Education Project has received a $15,000 donation from AT&T Aspire. The program educates immigrant youth and their families on how to successfully prepare for and receive a college education.

The $15,000 will allow ¡HICA! (Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama) to offer more sophomores, juniors and seniors from area high schools the opportunity to participate in the eight week college readiness program that includes instruction on financial aid, visits to area college campuses and meetings with professionals to discuss career paths. 

“AT AT&T, we are committed to helping people connect with their world and with opportunities and resources that make life more fulfilling,” said Fred McCallum, president of AT&T Alabama. “We are pleased to support ¡HICA!’s Engaging in Education, a project that enriches lives and positively impacts Alabama by preparing our youth to successfully achieve their educational goals.”

¡HICA!’s primary service area, Jefferson and Shelby counties, experienced a 162 percent increase in its Hispanic population between 2000 and 2010. The majority of ¡HICA!’s constituents are mothers between 19 and 35, and most families include children who were born in Alabama.

Since the implementation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) in 2012, immigrant youth now have an opportunity to access higher education. With college in reach, many Latino families need support pursuing higher education and accessing scholarships.

“¡HICA!’s Engaging in Education Project’s focus on college preparedness and access is a key component in allowing our diverse youth to become successful drivers in our community and state,” said ¡HICA!’s Executive Director Isabel Rubio. “We are thrilled to have AT&T Aspire’s support, which allows expansion of this wonderful project.”

¡HICA! is located at 117 Southcrest Drive in West Homewood. Visit hispanicinterest.org or call 942-5505 for more information.