National Council of La Raza and Lowe’s Team Up to Build Libraries In Charter Schools

An initiative to develop and improve five school libraries within the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., School Network in partnership with the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation was announced today. The NCLR was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Lowe’s to construct and supply the libraries scheduled for completion in August.

Unlike traditional public schools, public charter schools, like those in the NCLR School Network, lack resources like on-campus libraries because they receive approximately 20 percent less in per-student public funding than other schools in their respective districts. The support from the Lowe’s grant will help fill funding gaps, give the faculties and staffs the necessary tools to enrich students’ academic development and engage and involve parents and the community in school activities.

“All students should have access to library resources without having to leave their school building or school grounds,” said Janet Murguia, NCLR president and CEO. “NCLR applauds Lowe’s commitment to making this a reality for schools across the country.”

“Lowe’s is committed to recognizing and supporting efforts that enrich the lives of our neighbors and customers,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting organizations like the National Council of La Raza, we are contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees and helping build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders.”

Raul Yzaguirre School for Success in Brownville, Texas; Erie Elementary Charter School in Chicago, Ill.; Academia Avance Charter Public School in Los Angeles, Calif.; Amber Charter School in New York, N.Y. and El Sol Science and Arts Academy in Santa Ana, Calif. will each receive $20,000 to help build and supply a library with the proper furniture, materials and books.

Since its inception in 1957, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped communities nationwide through employee volunteerism and financial contributions. Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $27.5 million to support community and education projects across the United States and Canada in 2007.”*

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