Dear Friend of HCF,

I wish you could come and meet the students that will be at our Hispanic Youth Symposia this summer. These students arrive so fired up. Someone believes in them enough to get them to HYS. Many students, for the first time, realize that they are bright, talented, and real college material. Usually, no one else in their family has had that opportunity. They beam at just the thought of having the privilege of going to college.

But we have a great deal to accomplish in the four short days we meet. I am astounded that almost none of our students know anything about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or how to talk about their life experiences in their college application essay.

Their parents do not have the experience to guide them in this area and their high schools do not have enough guidance counselors to help them get started.

We show them the ropes and remind them that they have what it takes to succeed. We tell them the truth about where they need to be stronger and what to do when they hit a speed bump.

We bring in "Hispanic Heroes" to guide and inspire them, Hispanic leaders from the community that have succeeded and want to give back. These community leaders tell — and show — the students how far their dreams can take them.

The Hispanic Youth Symposium is hands-on, practical, and life-changing.

More than 80% of those who attend the Hispanic Youth Symposium will go on to pursue a college degree and have a professional career in medicine, engineering, business, the law or similar area. One of our students may even be taking the first step toward a seat on the Supreme Court.

You can be a part of this life-changing experience and part of these young people's lives by providing the resources for this year's Hispanic Youth Symposia.  Nowhere else will your investment of $25, $50, $100 or more in a young person provide as large a return.

Not only will you change the future of a deserving Hispanic student, but you will be developing the next generation of Hispanic professionals. And our students will know that people like you really do care that they succeed.

Please make your tax-deductible gift today.  I'll make sure and send you a report after the summer sessions so you can see how well your donation is used.

You will feel great all summer knowing that you helped change the world for a young Hispanic in our community.

Thank you, thank you for doing all you can to help our students this summer.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Lopez
Campaign Leader
Virginia Hispanic Youth Symposium

P.S. You can learn more about HYS in California's Central Valley, Dallas, Los Angeles, Maryland, New Mexico and Virginia, and read about the inspiring students who have attended. Thank you again for all you do for the children of our community.