Who:

Griselda Mani, a first generation Hispanic college student will address the Project GRAD USA Conference on the trials and tribulations of getting a high school education at HISD’s Davis High School, followed by an education at Rice University and now after being a software engineer is now pursing her lifelong dream of medical school at the University of Texas-Houston.  Griselda’s story is also featured in the new book Whatever It Takes: Transforming American Schools, the Project GRAD, by Holly Holland.

What: 

A local student will give the keynote address at the Project GRAD USA Conference at Noon on Tuesday, January 11, 2005.  Griselda, one of the first to graduate from Davis High School with a Project GRAD scholarship ten years ago, will provide her insight to educators of inner-city schools from across the nation. 

Houston serves as role model to schools in 12 locations across America. The conference highlights Project GRAD’s evolution from a college scholarship program at Jefferson Davis High School to a national program.  Educators will get a real view of the current challenges the Hispanic and African-American students face today.     

Where:   Hyatt Regency Hotel – Downtown Houston at 1200 Louisiana St.

When:    12:00 P.M. - Noon

Participants include:

• Griselda Mani, First Generation College Student
• Holly Holland, Author of Whatever It Takes: The Project GRAD Story
• Robert Rivera, Executive Director and Chief Operator Officer, Project GRAD USA
• Jim Ketelsen, Former Tenneco CEO and Founder of Project GRAD
• Emily Cole, Former Principal of Davis High School
• Student beneficiaries

Notes:

• Project GRAD started in Houston at Davis High School twelve years ago as a scholarship program to help Hispanic students graduate from high school and go to college. To see the success of Project GRAD Houston, click on www.projectgradhouston.org

For Interviews contact:  Melissa Carroll, Director of Public Relations, 713-253-6953 or 832-325-0301

Melissa Carroll
Director of Public Relations
Project GRADHouston(Graduation Really Achieves Dreams)
6700 West Loop South, Suite 500
Bellaire, TX 77401
Tel. (832) 325-0301
Fax  (832) 325-0306
www.projectgradhouston.org