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Primary Focus on Implementing K-12, Adult Learning, Workforce Development Training, and ESL Initiatives That Will Empower Minority and Underserved Communities Through the Utilization of Broadband Technologies

ATLANTA, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Partners for Digital Equality(TM) (PDE), The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and The National Hispanic University (NHU), a HACU member higher learning institution, today announced a strategic alliance to support initiatives funded through broadband stimulus funds, that will educate and empower Hispanics, other minorities, women, and the underserved in the communities surrounding HACU member institutions.

"Today's announcement represents a significant leap forward in our roll-out of programming for Hispanic audiences across the nation," said Partners for Digital Equality Chairman Julius H. Hollis (Mr. Hollis is also Chairman of The Alliance for Digital Equality(TM), a 501(c) 4 consumer advocacy organization). "There's great strength in partnerships and we could not have selected better allies to help extend our reach into the educational sector."

"The digital divide remains a major stumbling block for minorities to prepare themselves for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields that are vital to our nation's future," said HACU President and CEO Dr. Antonio Flores. "Through this strategic alliance with Partners for Digital Equality(TM), we aim to build STEM capacity at our member institutions and to enhance their students' and communities' access to online technologies."

Additionally, The National Hispanic University, a member of HACU, in conjunction with The Partners for Digital Equality(TM), is implementing early childhood development and K-12 online tutorials, GED and Workforce development training, and virtual language translation (Spanish to English) online applications for education and workforce-related initiatives.

Dr. Lopez, President of NHU said, "The National Hispanic University and Partners for Digital Equality(TM) will partner and take the leadership role in developing and teaching Latino families about the usage and ownership of technology. Given that the majority of students in California public schools are Latinos our effort is not only a moral imperative but an economic reality. The digital divide for Latinos in California must be closed if we are to remain nationally and globally competitive."

About Partners for Digital Equality: Partners for Digital Equality(TM) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization that provides the un-served and underserved populations primarily in urban and rural communities with innovative technology tools and education.

About The Alliance for Digital Equality: The Alliance for Digital Equality(TM) is a non-profit 501 (c) 4 consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities. The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives. For more information on The Alliance for Digital Equality, please visit www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.

About The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities: The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) was established in 1986 with a founding membership of eighteen institutions. Today, HACU represents nearly 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Although our member institutions in the U. S. represent less than 10% of all higher education institutions nationwide, together they are home to more than two-thirds of all Hispanic college students. HACU is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). For more information on The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, please visit www.hacu.net.

About The National Hispanic University: The National Hispanic University was established in 1981 to enable Hispanics, other minorities, women, and others to acquire an undergraduate degree or certificate using a multicultural educational experience to obtain a professional career in business, education, or technology. For information on The National Hispanic University, please visit www.nhu.edu.