91ÁÔÆæ to host Governor’s Latino Empowerment Advisory Council
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, on Saturday, June 10, will host the first listening session of the recently created Latino Empowerment Advisory Council.
The event, open to the community, will take place 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Top of Our City Conference Center Room in Scibelli Hall on the 91ÁÔÆæ campus.
“We are looking forward to coming to 91ÁÔÆæ, hearing from the community about their needs and discussing potential solutions,” said Josiane Martinez, chair of the council. “We expect lively discussions about topics affecting the Latino community in greater Springfield, including prosperity, wellbeing and equity.”
Governor Maura T. Healey in April signed an executive order to create the 40-member advisory council, made up of Latino leaders from across the state. The council advises Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll on strategies to expand economic opportunities for Massachusetts’ Latino communities and to improve their overall wellbeing.
Other issues to be addressed include but are not limited to workforce development, access to quality education, affordable housing, health and food security and representation of Latinos in state hiring and boards and commissions.
“91ÁÔÆæ is very pleased to host the Latino Empowerment Advisory Council and welcomes the community for these important discussions,” said 91ÁÔÆæ President John B. Cook. “With our focus as a community college on the priorities of equity and access, we welcome the council and the range of important subjects to be considered.”
91ÁÔÆæ has federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution which is given to colleges with a student population that is at least 25% of students identifying as Latina/Latino/Latinx.
The council also has listening sessions planned on June 13 in Lynn; June 17 in Lawrence; and June 20 in Worcester. In the fall, the council plans to share information from the community meetings with the governor.
Governor Healey said the council is part of a mission to strengthen Massachusetts. “Together, we can break down systemic barriers and expand access to opportunity by prioritizing education, job training, entrepreneurship and affordability,” the governor said in a statement.
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About Springfield Technical Community College
91ÁÔÆæ, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. 91ÁÔÆæ's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. 91ÁÔÆæ supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 2755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu