California’s Future Leaders
Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP) Students Gain Skills and
Knowledge on how to Influence Legislation
120 student participants of the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP) Sacramento Summer Leadership Conference, convened at the State Capitol today to meet with policymakers and conduct mock legislative hearings on top policy issues facing California, including the California Dream Act, AB 131.
“The challenges facing California mean that every person in our state must be a part of the process when it comes to finding solutions to those challenges,” said California State Assembly Speaker, John A. Pérez. “Programs like the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project are an excellent way to allow young Californians who have the biggest stake in finding those solutions to develop the skills that will make them excellent citizens and strong leaders for their communities.”
Students expressed that California should celebrate the talent and brainpower that all students bring, including those who came to this country as children and are currently undocumented. Providing them state financial aid through AB 131 will ensure that they are prepared for the jobs of the future and can contribute to the state they call home.
Also on the minds of students were the recent budget cuts to higher education. As California’s future leaders, they believe in the promise of California and want to work hard to give back to their state. Investing in colleges and universities is essential to helping the next generation realize their goals and today they urged the Governor and policymakers to stop cuts to higher education.
“We are excited to partner with CLYLP to provide opportunities for these talented Latino students from across California,” said Lorena Hernandez, California Director-Community Investment and Communications, Comcast California. “These students are our state’s future leaders, and we hope their experience with the CLYLP leadership programs will help to power their dreams for success.
Funding higher education and prioritizing our young people is not an expense—it’s an investment. In fact, for every dollar CA spends on sending and graduating a new student from college, it gets three dollars in return – resulting in billions of dollars that fuel our state economy.
“An investment in these students shows a commitment to our future—our youth, our education and our state,” stated Norma Dominguez, President, CLYLP. “During these economic times, it’s imperative to continue investing in California’s future—our youth.”
This year CLYLP celebrates its 29th year of inspiring and creating California’s future leaders—including Norma Dominguez, a Vice President with Wells Fargo and Max Espinoza, policy consultant for California State Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez.
About Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP)
The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, Inc. (CLYLP) was founded in 1982 with the primary purpose of preparing students to participate in California’s economic, social and political development. CLYLP is guided by the overall theme “California’s Future Leaders,” and its programs emphasize the importance of culture, community, college and careers. More than 3,400 students have gone through CLYLP programs and more than 90% of these have gone on to attend college. Many CLYLP alumni go on to become successful leaders in both the public and private sector. Our mission is to enhance and build the leadership potential of California’s Chicano/Latino youth to build communities and create a stronger more prosperous state and nation.The CLYLP envisions a future in which California and all of its communities prosper as the result of a new generation of leadership.
To view footage from today’s press conference, please click on the link below:
