WASHINGTON, June 17 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) will present actor Wilmer Valderrama with the CHCI Service Award at the Young Latinos Leaders Fund event at the City Club on Bunker Hill in Los Angeles on Monday, June 21, 2010. Valderrama is being honored for his service as the official spokesperson for CHCI’s Ready to Lead (R2L) college readiness program that helps Latino high school students prepare for post-secondary education.

Since April 2009, Valderrama has appeared at workshops around the country sharing his life story of achieving the American dream and inspiring youth to pursue their own dreams through higher education. Valderrama has also filmed several public service announcements for CHCI.

“Wilmer’s unwavering commitment to CHCI’s Ready to Lead Program exemplifies true leadership as a role model for Latino youth,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President & CEO. “We need more young, civically engaged Latinos like Wilmer who are dedicated to giving back to the community and using their voice to create positive change.”

CHCI will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles to work collaboratively to increase the number of Latino students in the Los Angeles area that are exposed to important information about college affordability, readiness and leadership.

WHO:

Wilmer Valderrama, Actor

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard

Rep. Joe Baca

Rep. Grace Flores Napolitano

Paul Rodriguez, Comedian

Esther Aguilera, President & CEO, CHCI

Rudy Montiel, President & CEO, Housing Authority of City of Los Angeles

(Speakers will be available to the media)

WHEN:

Monday, June 21, 2010

6:00 pm. – 8:00 pm.

WHERE:

City Club on Bunker Hill

333 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90071

La Cima/Las Colinas Rooms, 54th Floor

Event Entrance: Front Reception of Underground Elevators to 54th Floor

*Valet parking available in underground garage

CHCI’s Ready to Lead (R2L) program is supported by AT&T, USA Funds, State Farm Insurance, VISA, and Darden Restaurants.

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

CHCI, a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit http://www.chci.org.

SOURCE Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute