Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste (HLF), a West Valley charitable organization, announced its commitment to continue its relationship with the college by donating $25,000 - $5,000 per year for the next five years - to Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a Maricopa Community College. The commitment was announced to the college and other West Valley organizations on Friday, September 12, 2008 at the City of Avondale's annual Baile de Exito dance. The $25,000 will be matched by the college's recent Title V grant, bringing the total amount benefiting student scholarships to $50,000 over the next five years.
HLF has been a continued partner in supporting the college's endowment fund, donating more than $60,000 during the past six years. This year's donation is in honor of Irene Aguirre, an active volunteer in the West Valley community and retiring member of the Hispanic Leadership Forum. The Irene Aguirre Scholarship will be awarded to West Valley students to help them achieve their academic goals.
"As President of Hispanic Leadership Forum, Mayor of the City of Tolleson, and as an employee of Estrella Mountain Community College, I would like to challenge the community at large to give whatever they can to help fulfill student dreams," said Adolfo Gamez. "Without scholarships, a lot of students would not otherwise have the opportunity to achieve a higher education."
The college was recently awarded a Title V grant to support the college's Learning College efforts which includes a $375,000 endowment match. To fully maximize this match, the college must raise a minimum of $75,000 per year, over the next five years. HLF's donation will fall under this initiative bringing the college closer to the $75,000 goal for 2008. For more information or to donate to Estrella Mountain's endowment fund, please contact Adolfo Gamez at 623-935-8185.