The people doing the most in their communities often get the least recognition. Those faithful volunteers that go above and beyond the call of duty, all in the name of creating a better future than what they were given. Maybe its a sense of urgency to do something unconditional for another, only expecting the satisfaction of success from their impact or like Luz Encarnacion, a problem was recognized that could not be ignored.

A Syracuse resident and community activist, Encarnacion, believes one of her greatest accomplishments is identifying the crisis affecting the Latino community. She feels students of Latino descent struggle in particular due to language barriers. As a result, they are less inclined to be engaged and ultimately end up dropping out. The four-year Syracuse graduation rate for Latino males is 27.3 percent compared to 58.1 percent for caucasian males. The rate for Latino girls is 42.7 percent, compared to 56.1 percent for caucasian girls.

“After you recognize the problem, how (are) you going to walk away? You can’t walk away. You have to help them.”

The recipient of a $20,000 Ford Driving the Dreams Through Education grant, Encarnacion has witnessed firsthand, the return on investment. Grades are up amongst majority of her students and she is already working to propel the program and secure another round of funding. Giving up is not an option and Encarnacion is committed to continuing the program regardless if she receives the grant another year or not.