Eva Longoria, actress-turned-blossoming media mogul, philanthropist and producer, is using the Eva Longoria Foundation to empower Latinas, and to help foster their growth as intelligent young women.

Longoria commissioned a report and an accompanying video, entitled Making Education Work for Latinas in the U.S. Created by the University of California's Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles, the report examines Latinas' involvement in extracurricular activities, their educational success, and its correlation to feelings of belonging and having Hispanic mentors and teachers.

National and California-based data sets were examined to determine the likely outcome of educational success for Latina youth. Seven Latina case studies were also incorporated into the study, which showed that under varying circumstances these women were able to find educational success during high school, community college and four-year universities. The study concluded that parents who were supportive regarding their daughter's academics throughout high school and college relates to an increase high school graduation and college attendance rates.

UCLA also found that the bilingualism and strong math skills in elementary school are indicators of success. In California today, only 11 percent of Latinas/os hold BA degrees of higher, compared to 23 percent of African Americans, 40 percent of European Americans and 48 percent of Asian Americans.

"We were frustrated to primarily find analysis of what does not work for Latinas, and we wanted to find out what does," Longoria said in a statement. "The findings from this study will help us fine-tune our education work, and we hope others will use this research to support Latina achievement."

The educational achievements of Latinas often mirror that of their mothers, which means that Latinas aren't faring well; the U.S. education system has historically ignored the challenges that Latinos and Latinas face in the classroom. The under-education of Latinos is founded in ignorance, and perpetuated by indifference. Lack of obligation regarding some educators and classroom leaders when teaching Spanish-speaking /non-Anglo students keep Latinas from getting ahead. Anglo-derivative subjects and topics, and Anglo-led classrooms is the reality, but young Latinas who aren't receiving Latino-centric coursework, and who don't have Latino teachers, counselors, or educational support staff to act as empathetic role models, often fumble while in school. Young Latinas need inspiring older Latinas to help thrust them toward success, and they need to receive support inside and outside of school.

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