Directs the commissioner of education to establish a Hispanic youth symposium initiative, and appropriates $500,000 therefor

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to directing the commissioner of education to establish a Hispanic youth symposium initiative; and making an appropriation therefor

Purpose

Direct the commissioner of education to establish a Hispanic youth symposium initiative, and appropriates $500,000 therefor.

Summary of provisions

Amends Section 305 of the education law by adding new subdivision 36.

Justification

Pew Hispanic Center in their recent 2005 study by Roberto Suro, Hispanics: A People in Motion, noted that Hispanic youth "lag behind white students at all key milestones of their educational journey. In high school, Hispanic youths complete a less rigorous curriculum and, on average, score lower on national assessments and college entrance exams." they remain much less likely than their white peers to finish college." In 2004, only 12.5% of the Hispanic labor force had a college degree, compared to 30.9% non-Hispanics.

Hispanics are New York's fastest growing minority population. Despite the enormous potential of this population, Hispanics' prominent presence in the workforce is not matches by strong educational attainment. In 2003-2004, Hispanics represented two-thirds of workforce growth. However, according to US Census Bureau, they are receiving four year degrees at roughly 1/3 the rate of their non-Hispanic counterparts. The growing Hispanic population means more workers, but not more educated workers. In fact, the inverse appears to be true.

Latino students are more likely than whites to attend public schools that have the most students, the highest concentration of low-income students, the highest student teacher ratios and are disproportionately taught by uncertified teachers. Simultaneously, the academic achievement gap has been widening. For those students that make it through secondary education and enter college an overwhelming array of barriers are encountered. With only 10 out of every 100 Hispanic students obtaining at least a bachelor's degree the challenges facing administrators attempting to remedy this situation are substantial. In addition, the lack of Hispanic faculty, administrators, staff and targeted programs to increase student success are evident throughout New York's university systems.

These issues do not solve themselves. We must continue to address the problem as it impacts Hispanic communities, the state's economy and the nation's competitiveness internationally. Our failure to do so promptly and successfully puts the entire nation in a perilous situation.

The funding is needed to provide start up expenses for the three new Hispanic Youth Symposiums in New York and three year-round program coordinators to support students and proposed student activities that will enable these students to build a college going culture.

Hispanic Youth Symposium will provide several benefits: by delivering high level college/career access instruction to the students, by creating the confidence necessary to apply for college, scholarships, loans, to create a professional career focus, and to empower students to take positive action on the issues facing their community.

The Hispanic Youth Symposium Initiative will include year-round activities for the students: a speaker's bureau for Hispanic Youth Symposium students to meet with students and parents in coordination with regional school system activities; managing student connections to corporations, community organizations and State agencies and institutions of higher learning; and provide student outreach for participants and facilitators of future New York State based Hispanic Youth Symposiums.

The bill includes appropriation of $500,000 to establish and support the development of three symposia in the State of New York and 3 regional coordinators.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

This legislation appropriates the sum of $500,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to the Education Department.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.