Hispanic Heritage Green Initiative 2009-2010
MISSION
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) identifies, inspires, prepares and positions Latino in the classroom, community and workforce.HHF is a 501c3 (Federal ID# 52-1818255) nonprofit (visit www.HispanicHeritage.org).HHF will launch a “green” initiative in 2010 by leveraging their long-time programs, platforms and relationships with other organizations by:
•Providing Latino youth with a clear vision of the green space academically, community service, and career
•Creating a sustainable and fecund path for that vision to become a reality
•Positioning the identified young leaders in a position from which to affect their peers and younger Latinos –including the sharing of knowledge
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Since 1998, the Youth Awardshave celebrated the achievements of Latino high school seniors in the classroom and community in various categories including math, science, engineering, sports, arts, education, business and journalism.In 2010, HHF will add a “Green” category. After a national search through celebrity-based PSAs, partnerships with 6,000 high schools, businesses and elected officials, thousands of applications will be collected in various regions including: Dallas, Miami, Houston, San Antonio, Los Angeles, San Jose/Bay Area, Phoenix, Chicago, New York/Philadelphia/New Jersey, and Washington, DC –a city in New Mexico can be added with funding
PROGRAM FEATURES
Youth Awardees are selected by prestigious committees including leaders in the environmental space and provided with a grant to be used by student for a project they will document and measure to improve community and encourage volunteerism. The young social entrepreneurs will then create a case study which will be posted to allow young leaders to share knowledge and best practices across America.
The Regional Awardees are celebrated during 12 ceremonies at universities including Stanford, Colombia, University of Penn, Rice, USC, University of Chicago, and others in the fall launching during Hispanic Heritage Month. The events are attended by influential audiences of business and community leaders, elected officials, families and students, educational leaders, and the President of the United States.
SPEAKERS’ BUREAU 
With Latinos needing guidance outside the home more than any other segment of population in terms of education and career, HHF developed the Hispanic Heritage Speakers’ Bureau. This outreach program features past and present Youth Award recipients visiting grade schools, high schools, and community centers to provide inspiration and a vision for younger Latinos and others to success. HHF will focus on a “Green” path after research found young Latinos were enthusiastic about environmental activism but when pressed didn’t have a good grasp on what jobs existed or what to study in college. This program will provide that vision.
WORKFORCE PROGRAM
LOFT (Latinos on Fast Track):The six-year-old workforce development program was created by HHF in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund (HCF) to systematically identify, prepare, place and retain emerging Latino professionals on a management track in major industries to bolster America’s workforce including green jobs. LOFT has provided hundreds of candidates to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies in the fields of business, finance, engineering, math, healthcare, sciences, research, technology, retail, marketing, journalism, and even entertainment. In 2010, HHF will have a new “green” focus for LOFT. HHF will also partner with other organizations such as the US Green Building Council, Home Building Institute, the new Green University and the National Hispanic Environmental Council.
LOFT Features
Selective Identification–HHF’s Youth Awards and HCF’s Scholars serve as the main feeder programs;
Preparation and Acculturation–industry-specific orientations, tutorials and materials including for Green job opportunities;
Facilitation of Relationship–mentoring and LOFT-facilitated communication;
Retention–consistent follow up with sponsor and candidates working toward interns becoming full-time hires on a management track;
Measurement –informal surveys, reporting and results of program;
Sustainability–regional and national special events, on-line sharing of knowledge and social networks; etc.
MiVision.US 
MiVision.USis a new online program (launching in 2010) with a two-pronged approach in providing a “vision” for Latinos through access to higher educationand the workforce.As part of HHF’s Green Initiative, a focus on Green Jobs –along with guidance and resources –featuring Latino experts in various fields including public policy and nonprofit. The experts will be video taped to discuss opportunities in education and various careers. Celebrities will also be featured.
By using technology with a human touch, MiVision.USwill provide the user with testimonial guidance, with a mentoring feel, as the “expert” answers video-taped pre-established questions about careers in the green space with resources and links to other organizations and efforts. Policy-based panel discussions featuring young leaders will also be coordinated to give youth a voice at the highest levels.
HHF will drive users through their other programs, through relationships with 6,000 schools, and a PSA campaign featuring celebrities to attract users to the site such as Manaand Don Omar. HHF will also partner with MTV, Univision, Telemundo, NBC, Fox, and new-media such as cell phones and text messaging.
The Hispanic Heritage Awards were developed in 1987 by a White House task force commemorating the creation of
Hispanic Heritage Month. The Awards honor notable Latinos who have distinguished themselves in various fields and made a positive impact on America including a new Green category which was presented on Capitol Hill to Mexican Rock Group Manain 2009. In 2010, another Latino leader will be honored in the green space.
The Awards are co-hosted by 37 national Hispanic organizations who nominate Honorees and are unique because educators, community activists, engineers, elected officials, physicians, and business leaders, stand alongside cultural superstars. During the ceremony, the hottest Latino performers entertain the guests. The program is traditionally broadcast on TV and aired on the Armed Forces Network.
PARTNERSHIPS
HHF will also partner with other organizations such as the US Green Building Council, Home Building Institute, the new Green University and the National Hispanic Environmental Council, National PTA, America’s Promise, Harvard’s Latino Leadership Initiative among others as well the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, VotoLatino, LULAC, NALEO, NCLR and other national Hispanic organizations.
HHF is believes strongly that in order to make the Green Initiative a success, a concerted and collective effort will be vital in order to leverage resources and expertise. The public and private sectors will also play an important role in moving the initiative forward as well as making positive use of celebrity involvement and media partnerships.
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