Here's a dismal statistic: Fewer than half the Hispanic kids who start high school in Colorado graduate. In Denver it's fewer than one third.

One group, La Raza Youth Leadership, intends to change these statistics. Its mission is to empower Latino youth to achieve their educational and leadership potential and instill the desire to give back to the community.

Metro State will host the 14th annual La Raza Youth Leadership Conference on April 30. This year's theme is "¡Líderes, Education Builds Success!" The conference is unique in that it caters to Colorado's Latino youth ages 12 to 18 by offering culturally sensitive programming to enhance their social, educational and personal growth. The conference is composed of three workshops, a keynote address and lunchtime entertainment.

In addition, Metro will provide three $1,500 scholarships ($750 for two consecutive semesters) to graduating high school seniors who attend the event and enroll at Metro for the fall 2005 semester. The La Raza Youth Leadership Award application can be found at www.larazayouth.com.

The application deadline is March 1 and applicants must be admitted to the Metro by the same deadline. Metro's application for admission may be accessed at www.mscd.edu.

Visit the La Raza Youth Leadership Conference Web site at www.larazayouth.com for additional information regarding the conference. For more information, contact Miriam Tapia at tapiam@mscd.edu or 303-556-2615.