Last updated 12:48PM ET
May 28, 2012
RIPR News
RIPR News
Forum addresses challenges for Hispanic students
By ELISABETH HARRISON (2012-01-26)
Photo by Elisabeth Harrison Leaders discuss challenges for Hispanic students.
PROVIDENCE, RI (RIPR) - Not enough Hispanic students graduate from high school, and those who do are not always prepared for college. That was the message Wednesday from federal officials at Rhode Island College. Jose Rico from the White House Initiative on Hispanic Education says the struggles of Hispanic students affect everyone.

"We're a very young community right now," Rico says, "and our educational attainment levels are so low that its really threatening the economic viability of communities. Only 13% of adults within the Hispanic community have a bachelor's degree, less than 70% of our students graduate from high school."

Rico was at Rhode Island College for a summit on improving Hispanic student outcomes. The Obama Administration hosted the event for teachers, community leaders and state officials.

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