Lincoln, Neb., March 20, 2006 – Nelnet, Inc. (NYSE: NNI) is pleased to sponsor the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities' (HACU) 11th annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education. "Strategies for Hispanic Higher Education Success: HACU's 20 Years of Advocacy" is the subject of the conference that will take place from March 26-28 at The Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C.
With more than 43 million Americans of Hispanic descent, the United States is now the world's fifth largest Spanish-speaking country. U.S. Census projections indicate that the Hispanic population will triple to over 102 million by 2050 - an increase of 60 million.
With the Hispanic youth growing in record numbers, Nelnet has partnered with HACU to develop unique programs that address this critical issue. This collaboration will strengthen the student loan industry by broadening the spectrum of educational products and services available to Hispanic youth, while continuing to make education more affordable and attainable. The U.S. Census reports that Hispanic youth, under the age of 18, make up the largest age category of 2 million children per age group by 2009.
"Nelnet is committed in providing more opportunities to the Hispanic community and proud to sponsor this year's Capitol Forum," said David Bottegal, Chief Executive Officer of Nelnet's Education Services division. "Partnering with HACU enhances Nelnet's vision of improving accessibility to higher education and making dreams a reality for Hispanic families."
Capitol Forum provides an important learning opportunity regarding legislative issues affecting Hispanic Higher education and provides direct access to Congressional leaders. The agenda for the Capitol forum addresses Hispanic higher education needs across the K-20 pipeline and beyond.
In 2004, Nelnet and HACU formed a strategic and results-driven partnership. The knowledge and technology that both Nelnet and HACU have to offer institutions and borrowers is endless. In addition, HACU member institutions and their families can benefit from a variety of Nelnet products, including the HACU Education Loan Program (HELP), which offers best-in-class benefits and rewards students and parents for utilizing the loan, as well as Nelnet College Planning resources, debt management materials, collateral in both Spanish and English, and bi-lingual customer service.
"HACU is delighted that Nelnet is sponsoring this year's Capitol Forum," said Dr. Antonio R. Flores, President and CEO of HACU. "Its support will make an important difference to HACU as we pursue our goals of helping Hispanic students with their education goals in the years ahead."
Each Spring, higher education advocates gather in Washington, D.C. to discuss the Hispanic youth. These officials talk about ways to shape and promote an agenda for Congress and the country at the annual HACU Capitol Forum. Leaders of HACU member and partner colleges and universities join public policymakers, key federal agency leaders, allied organizations, corporate, community and philanthropic representatives for what has become a powerful national platform for winning public- and private-sector support for Hispanic higher education. Key to these strategic forums are annual visits to Capitol Hill, which allow leaders in the Hispanic higher education community to interact directly with key members of the House and Senate.
Nelnet is one of the leading education finance companies in the United States and is focused on providing quality products and services to students and schools nationwide. Nelnet ranks among the nation's leaders in terms of total net student loan assets with $20.3 billion as of December 31, 2005. Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, Nelnet originates, consolidates, securitizes, holds, and services student loans, principally loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan Program of the U.S. Department of Education.
Additional information is available at www.nelnet.net.
Contact: Sheila Odom, 402.458.2329