Department Of State And The Hispanic Association Of Colleges And Universities To Sign A Principles Of Cooperation

The Principles of Cooperation Agreement seeks to increase awareness among students, faculty and staff at member institutions of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities regarding programs, activities, careers and employment opportunities at the Department of State.

Citing America's diversity as one of the nation's most powerful attributes, Secretary Powell is committed to improving the diversity of the Department's workforce. He has said, "We need a motivated, skilled, diverse and flexible workforce to promote and defend America's interests abroad."

The signing of the Principles of Cooperation document will underscore the Department of State's commitment to foster student interest in foreign affairs as a means to increase the recruitment and retention of Hispanics in both foreign and civil service positions within the Department.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is a national association of higher education institutions created in 1986. It currently represents 245 colleges and universities that collectively enroll two-thirds of all Hispanics in higher education.

Press who wish to attend this event should arrive by 9:30 a.m. at the 23^rd Street entrance (between C and D Streets, NW) and present a media-issued photo identification card or a letter from their employer on letterhead, accompanied by an official photo identification card (driver’s license, passport).