Dear Friends,
At the beginning of the fiscal year, data from the 2010 U.S. Census informed Americans of the size and relative youth of the U.S. Hispanic population, showing Hispanics to be over fifty percent of all U.S. births during the decade. One in every four public school (P–12) children is Hispanic, and yet Latinos trail all other ethnic groups in college degree attainment. This data was used to forecast Latinos as representing one-third of the U.S. workforce before 2050.
Over this same decade, the Organization of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), a 31-country membership agency created in 1961 to collect relevant data to help governments foster prosperity, economic growth and financial stability reported the U.S. as twelfth among all nations in regard to the average educational level of adults 25–64. These statistics, coupled with research published by the Georgetown University Center for Education and the Workforce, which projected by 2018 the majority of new U.S. jobs would require a college-level credential or degree, set the stage for HSF’s work. We have been blazing a trail to increased relevance, performance and, in the end, results in Hispanic higher education.
Since our founding in 1975, the board and staff have been dedicated to one goal: increasing the number of Hispanics earning a college degree. You’ll see significant gains toward that goal inside this annual report. We raised and awarded more scholarships to more individuals than ever. We launched a campaign to place a college degree in every Hispanic household. And, as the year came to an end, we launched an exciting, new strategic plan that will begin in April 2012 and ultimately lead to improved results and increased impact.
These gains and accomplishments, the result of a team effort, begin with the generosity of our donors and supporters. It is to you that we dedicate this report and for whom we extend our appreciation. In the end, without you, our work would not be possible.
With all of these wonderful advances, much work remains to be done. We—board and staff—continue to be committed to the mission of strengthening America through the academic advancement of Latinos. We hope you will join in Generation 1st Degree, the campaign to place at least one degree in every Hispanic household.
Sincerely,
Frank D. Alvarez
President & CEO