Junior Achievement of NY & Verizon encourage Hispanic Youths to stay in school.

Verizon and Junior Achievement of New York (JANY) announced an educational initiative to decrease the high dropout rate among Hispanic youths in New York City and Long Island and help ensure that they are well-prepared to tackle the rigors of the workplace.

The initiative, funded by a $25,000 contribution from Verizon, is aimed at encouraging young Hispanics to stay in school and preparing them to succeed in a global economy. Many JANY programs are taught by trained volunteers – including corporate employees, parents, college and high school students, retirees and community-based partners.

“By providing positive adult role models — who illustrate ways to build self-confidence, develop personal and financial skills, and find avenues of success — we can encourage children to do better and stay in school,” said Lisa Castillo, senior vice president for programs at JANY. “We are thrilled about this initiative. This contribution will help so many students realize their potential.”

The High School for Law and Public Service, one of four small schools created inside George Washington High School, located in upper Manhattan, is one of the first to benefit from this initiative. The school concentrates on giving students a well-rounded, basic education, rather than special preparation in law.

In addition to the financial donation, Verizon will support JANY’s Web- based, high-tech financial education, business skills and workforce readiness curriculum.

“With technology moving at such a rapid pace, it is critical that as good corporate citizens we assist organizations such as Junior Achievement in their mission to promote workforce readiness among our youth – tomorrow’s leaders,” said Thomas Dunne, Verizon vice president for government affairs for New York.

Altogether, JANY reaches an estimated 7 million students worldwide with the help of its volunteers and financial support from businesses.

Nick Politis, principal of the High School for Law and Public Service, said, “I am so proud of our students, for they have evolved into fine young adults who will one day go onto great things.”