The League of United Latin American Citizens and representatives of the General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday at The University of Texas at Arlington to open a technology lab in the UTA Center for Mexican American Studies.
The effort is part of LULAC’s Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative.
“LULAC appreciates the partnership with General Motors because it will help to provide Latino youth with computers and other resources to help them be successful and pursue careers in STEM fields,” said LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha, Jr.
LULAC’s Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative focuses on helping Latino youth navigate the college admissions process and explore education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. At the technology lab, UTA students will offer computer assistance with college applications and information about STEM programs.
“The lab will further strengthen the university’s ability to serve the community and provides another powerful path to engage prospective students and help them to earn college degrees,” said UTA President Vistasp M. Karbhari.
“As a Hispanic-serving institution, UTA is especially grateful for the support of LULAC and the leadership of the General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant,” President Karbhari said. “This initiative will enable us to reach deeper into our communities to ensure that all students – and especially those who want to pursue STEM careers – can achieve their academic dreams.”
Funding for the new technology center comes from $1 million in grants that the GM Foundation provided to several Hispanic organizations in September 2015. The goal of the grants was to empower young Latinos to pursue degrees in STEM fields and to prepare them to enter the global workforce.
“This is an incredible initiative that we are pleased to support. STEM education and outreach is a pillar for GM,” said Juan Carlos Jimenez, Arlington General Motors plant manager. “By using the GM Foundation grant funds to build this center for technology, we not only have the space to share our industry knowledge and innovations, but will also help prepare a workforce for the future.”