FORD Driving Dreams Program

In 2022, LULAC National Education Service Center and LULAC El Paso No. 8 were awarded a two-year grant from the Ford Driving Dreams Grants Program. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Ford Motor Company Fund and LULAC Institute, Inc., and seeks to provide funding to address Latino graduation rates in their respective communities. One of the high schools selected to implement the program was Bel Air High School, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD).

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To help bring this program to fruition, a devoted LULAC Educational Advisor, who is also a member of LULAC El Paso No. 8, was assigned to Bel Air High School. Working closely with school personnel, their primary goal is to ensure the success of the Program and provide support to participating students.

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Through Ford's Driving Dreams initiative, this Program aims to achieve several essential goals. First and foremost, it aims to reduce the high school dropout rate among Latino students and promote their successful graduation. Additionally, the program aims to foster positive relationships between students and their peers, teachers, administrators, and family members. This is achieved by encouraging participation in interactive activities such as field trips, tutoring, and visits from business and community leaders who advocate for further education beyond high school.

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The program's practical applications are focused on improving academic performance and promoting on-time high school graduation. To this end, LULAC Educational Advisors counsel, mentor, and provide academic support to participating students, encouraging them to complete their studies and pursue further educational opportunities. Particularly valuable is the focus on individualized attention and tutoring, ensuring that each student's specific needs are being met.

The program aims to promote a sense of community in schools and neighborhoods in the El Paso borderland region. It focuses on building better relationships among peers, parents, and teachers to promote a more cohesive and supportive learning environment. The community-building aspect of the program seeks to instill pride in students' cultures and heritage, further enriching their learning experiences.

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With the combined efforts of the Ysleta Independent School District and the LULAC Educational Advisor, the program is founded on a solid footing. It aims to offer excellent educational opportunities, enhance academic performance, and provide students with the skills and support they need to succeed academically, socially, and beyond.