On behalf of the Friends of Boyle Heights and the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center, Ozzie Lopez (pictured),the center’s executive director, presented Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard with the center’s Bridge Award for her work on behalf of the center and area youth.  During the ceremony at the center, the congresswoman – who sits in the Appropriations Committee and secured $100,000 in federal funds for the facility – praised the center’s emphasis on education and computer skills in preparing students for employment in today’s competitive global job market. Located at 1600 East 4th Street, the 19,000 square foot, $10.9 million facility is a state-of-the-art full time learning center that features computer-equipped classrooms. The Los Angeles Youth Opportunity Movement (LAYOM) operates programs at the center. LAYOM programs promote youth achievement through education, employment and personal development goals. The Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center houses an alternative high school operated by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Along with a core curriculum, the high school offers classes in multi-media and graphic design, computer literacy, advanced computer training, a tutorial for the high school exit exam and other enrichment opportunities.

Upon accepting the award, the congresswoman made the following remarks:

“My sincere thanks to Ozzie Lopez, The Friends of Boyle Heights and The Youth Opportunity Movement for this special recognition.  It is my particular honor to be included in the company of Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries and Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas.  These men are outstanding individuals committed to enhancing the lives of our youth by providing them with hope and opportunity.  My sincere congratulations for this well deserved recognition.

When I learned I had been chosen to receive The Bridge award, I could not help but recall the day the late Lloyd Monserratt, came to my office full of excitement about his idea of creating a state of the a art technology program for the youth of Boyle Heights.  From the start it was obvious Lloyd understood the future success of our children was directly related to their ability to compete for the 21st Century jobs of our highly technical society and world market place.  His enthusiasm was infectious and today his vision has become a wonderful reality.  For the success of the Center, I thank Ozzie, his hard working staff and volunteers, the organizations and community colleges whose partnerships enhance the Center’s services and outreach, and the sponsors who provide the badly need resources.

I wish Lloyd were here today to see how WITH YOUR HELP the Center stands at the forefront of providing the youth of this community with the technical skills they need to be competitive in careers about which they could once only dream.  While I am proud to have been able to secure the $100,000 federal seed money to help create the Boyle Heights Technology Youth Center, it is truly Lloyd’s vision that we honor here tonight, and I humbly accept this award in his name.  Again, thank you for this wonderful recognition.”
 

-- ### --