LULAC Unveils New Tech Literacy Center

CHARLOTTE, NC – In response to the imperative need to help advance broadband access and literacy among the Hispanic community, Time Warner Cable (TWC) and the League of United Latin American Citizens have partnered to activate the “Empower Hispanic America Technology Center” at the Latin American Coalition (the Coalition) in Charlotte.

The Latin American Coalition will host a dedication ceremony for the new technology center on Thursday, February 24 from 10:00am to noon at its building located at 4938 Central Avenue in East Charlotte. Latin American Coalition Executive Director Jess George will be joined by Carol Hevey, East Region Executive Vice President, Time Warner Cable, Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, LULAC, Jennifer Roberts, Chairperson, Mecklenburg County Commission, and other Hispanic community leaders.

The new technology center, which includes 10 computers and other peripheral equipment, will provide Coalition visitors with complimentary access to Time Warner Cable’s Business Class high speed Internet service and strengthen existing classes that will help Hispanics develop computer skills necessary to research career options. Additionally, the tech center will complement the Coalition’s efforts to empower Latinos with educational opportunities such as financial literacy, English language classes and online citizenship curriculum in order to compete and succeed in the workforce.

Made possible by a $200,000 grant from Time Warner Cable, the Empower Hispanic America Technology Center in Charlotte is one of five created through the Time Warner Cable and LULAC partnership. Tech centers have also been sponsored in San Antonio, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Waukesha, Wisconsin; and Cincinnati, Ohio. Time Warner Cable and LULAC plan to provide free Internet access to another 13 technology sites throughout the United States in 2011. Latin American Coalition is a participating member of LULAC’s broadband adoption initiative, Empower Hispanic America with Technology which consists of a network of 60 community technology centers in 27 states.

About the Latin American Coalition
The mission of the Latin American Coalition is to promote full Hispanic participation in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region by informing, educating and advocating for the Latin American community. We envision a diverse and vibrant community that embraces, supports and respects people of all cultures and backgrounds. Twenty years after its inception, the Latin American Coalition is proud to be Charlotte’s oldest and largest Hispanic service agency.

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating through 880 LULAC councils nationwide.