Allstate & NCLR ‘Líderes de Hoy’ Essay Contest.

Allstate and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) are recognizing Hispanic youth that are making a difference in the Hispanic community with the launch of the Líderes de Hoy national essay contest, which will award ten Hispanic leaders a $5,000 academic scholarship.

“Allstate has been a long-time supporter of America’s Hispanic community by addressing issues important to the community such as family, education and economic empowerment,” said Peter Debreceny, Allstate’s vice president of Corporate Relations and member of NCLR’s Corporate Board of Advisors. “We are proud to be able to support opportunities for Hispanic youth and advance leadership and community involvement through this scholarship program.”

“With nearly half of all Hispanics in the United States under the age of 25, young Hispanics are a primary source of new leaders,” said Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO. “With the launch of Líderes de Hoy, we are recognizing the many young Latinos who are exemplary in their leadership and dedication to both their own educational success and the empowerment of their communities.”

To participate in the essay contest students can visit http://lideres.nclr.org, download contest materials and follow all contest rules and guidelines. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States, full-time high school students of Hispanic descent, between the ages of 14 and 18, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Applicants must answer the question “As a young leader, how have you been a catalyst for positive change and contributed to inspiring your community?” Essays must be submitted in English and be no longer than 1,000 words that answers the question. An official transcript must accompany all essays and two copies each of the application form, release form, and a letter of recommendation from a community leader or mentor in a sealed envelope.

Submissions should be mailed to Líderes de Hoy essay contest, Attn: Lauren Vance, 8687 Melrose Ave., 7th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069. All entries must be received no later than 5pm on Friday, July 29, 2005 and will become the property of Allstate and NCLR once submitted. The ten winners will be invited to participate in the Líderes de Hoy awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. in commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month in September.

Essays will be judged on the basis of entrant’s commitment to his or her community, exemplary leadership individually or within a group and promise to continued involvement in the community and civic affairs. The decisions of the judges are final.

For more information on the Líderes de Hoy essay contest or for contest rules and guidelines, visit http://lideres.nclr.org.