LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) is a 501 (c) (3) national non-profit organization established in 1973 for the purpose of implementing education and leadership programs that narrow the opportunity gap for America’s disadvantaged youth. For forty-five years, LNESC has focused on creating a menu of developmentally appropriate educational initiatives. As the educational arm of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens, the nation’s oldest Hispanic civil rights organization), LNESC is uniquely prepared to initiate programs aimed at meeting the academic and social needs of its target communities.

 

       In 1968, a San Francisco LULAC council developed a financial aid and college admissions outreach program designed to assist academically gifted but disadvantaged, low-income youth access to college. Based on the success of this program the LULAC National Office submitted a grant proposal in 1973 to provide these services on a national level and shortly after established LNESC as a separately incorporated entity with its own governing board and independent control of its programs. 

 

        In 1975, LNESC created the LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF) which solicits funds from major corporations to supply scholarships for Hispanic students.  The program was expanded in 1976 to involve local LULAC councils by matching their fundraising efforts with funds from corporate grants.  At present, approximately 70 LULAC councils participate in the program and four corporations provide matching funds.

 

        In recent years, the LNESC Washington Youth Leadership Seminar has grown substantially and now brings 50+ outstanding Hispanic high school students to Washington, D.C. for a five-day leadership seminar every fall. 

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        Overall through our education and technology centers nationwide, LNESC has served over 565,000 students, sent 156,000 students on to college, and awarded over $26 million in scholarships. LNESC’s results are made possible by a network of dedicated field staff, top-notch teachers, over 90 school partners, and the support of LULAC.