A Message from the President
Since 1968, Aspira Inc. of Illinois (“ASPIRA”)
has been serving the Puerto Rican and Latino
youth and community. During these years, ASPIRA
has helped thousands of students enter college.
Most of them succeed in their educational
endeavors. They have become prosperous and
productive citizens and travel through all
avenues of professional life.
These are, without a doubt, great achievements
that make us proud of the ASPIRA tradition.
Unfortunately, they are limited victories
that become pale and diminished when confronted
with the sad reality of the great majority
of our youth who never attend college and/or
never finish high school. Many who finish
high school are not prepared to obtain meaningful
employment. For these reasons, ASPIRA has
entered this century with new, ambitious programs
and services to address the dismal educational
attainment and lack of job skills in our community.
I hope that you will become familiar with
our programs and services. If you are interested
in any of these programs and services or would
like more information, please contact us.
The commitment and support of individuals,
organizations and foundations enable us to
provide these necessary programs and services
that positively affect the lives of our youth
and community. We look forward to continuing
to work together and invite those who are
not currently involved with ASPIRA to join
us and make a difference in the lives of our
youth and community.
José E. Rodriguez
President & CEO
