ST.PAUL, MN – Minnesota based Chicanos Latinos Unidos En Servicio (CLUES), which translated means Chicanos Latinos United in Service, has been selected as one of 10 sites nationally to participate in the Distance Learning Program established by the Mexican Ministry of Education. Ultimately, the Mexican Government plans to have 100 Plazas Comunitarias throughout the United States.

Carlos M. Sada, Consul General of Mexico who is based in Chicago, will make the announcement at a news conference and inauguration event on Friday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at the CLUES offices located at 2700 East Lake Street, Minneapolis.

The Distance Learning Program is a web-based, interactive educational program that makes it easier for Spanish-speaking individuals obtain their GED, two- and/or four-year degrees. Currently, only 52% of Latinos in the United States have their high school degree, compared to 85% of the non-Latino population. Only 10% of Latinos have a college degree.

“This program is very important to Minnesota, given its growing Latino population, which has tripled over the last 10 years,” said Mario Marino, Director of the Latino Learning Institute and Employment for CLUES. “In 1990, approximately 54,000 Latinos lived in Minnesota, whereas in 2000 there were over 143,000 Latinos living in Minnesota. Our participation in the Distance Learning Program will further broaden educational opportunities available to Latinos in Minnesota, and we are honored to participate with the Mexican government in this noble endeavor.”

During his visit, Sada will also participate in a leadership luncheon hosted by the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul on Friday, Sept. 20, followed by the CLUES Annual Event and Celebration at Metro State University that evening. This event is being sponsored by Wells Fargo Banks Minnesota and Fredrickson & Byron law firm. The Consul General will attend a luncheon of Latino community leaders sponsored by U.S. Bancorp on Saturday, Sept. 21.

CLUES has provided mental health services, chemical health services, family services, aging well services, employment services, and educational services to Latinos in Minnesota since 1981. In 2001, CLUES provided services to more than 20,000 people, approximately a 19.8 percent increase over 2000. All services are provided in Spanish or English, and are linguistically appropriate and culturally competent for Latinos. CLUES Service Response staff assisted approximately 1,560 people by providing information and referrals to a variety of services such as translations and general advocacy. There were also 4,311 childcare visits to the CLUES drop-in childcare centers at the CLUES Minneapolis and St. Paul offices.