For Immediate Release - Sept. 1, 2005

(DALLAS) – The keys to success open doors of opportunity through education.

With open doors, we open minds and opportunities – especially for students, who will learn more about the keys to success through a special program this fall, “Las Llaves del Exito.”   

Area colleges and universities – in partnership with the Dallas County Community Colleges, the Dallas Independent School District and several community-based organizations – want to share those keys to success with students and their families, particularly Latino/Hispanic members, during a special program on Saturday, Oct. 8. “Las Llaves del Éxito” (“The Keys to Success”) will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Southern Methodist University, Hughes Trigg Student Center, 3140 Dyer St., Dallas, Texas 75275.

The event is free and open to the public; students in grades six through 12, and their families, are encouraged to attend. A free lunch and breakfast snacks will be provided.

Las Llaves was started several years ago by a committee of community members who wanted to encourage high school students to graduate and continue their education. The conference will feature information sessions in English and Spanish about college: exploring careers, preparing for the SAT/ACT exams, preparing for college admissions, paying for college (financial aid) and writing an essay. 

College representatives, admissions specialists and financial aid advisors will talk to families about the application process and steps they need to take to be considered for admission and financial aid. Families will have the opportunity to meet Jesus "Jess" Carreon, chancellor, DCCC; Michael Hinojosa, general superintendent, DISD; and Rod Jackson, associate director of undergraduate admissions, SMU.

Institutions and corporations involved in the program include DCCC, the Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Dallas ISD, Grand Prairie ISD, Garland ISD, the University of North Texas Dallas Campus, UNT-Denton, SMU, the University of Texas at Arlington, UT-Dallas, Princeton Review, City of Dallas, Richland College, Education Is Freedom, LNESC, Mary Kay Corporation, Metzger Awards, DeVry University, Dallas Concilio, Eastfield College and Texas Instruments.

For more information, call Lettie Cruz with Dallas ISD at (972) 925-3165 or Perla Molina in the DCCC community development office at (214) 860-2691.


Press contact: Ann Hatch, 214-860-2478