March 28, 2000

BRONX, N.Y. - The Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Seņoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., are proud to unveil the Sigma Lambda PEARLS Program at P.S. 43, located at 165 Brown Place, on Friday, March 31 from 4-6 p.m.

The Sigma Lambda PEARLS Program will tie into the mission of the Jonas Bronck Clearpool Family School (PS 43), which is to create a school setting that will promote high expectations for the entire school family of pupils, parents and staff.

Sigma Lambda Promoting Education, the Arts, our Roots, Leadership and Service is a mentorship program designed and geared toward girls ages 8 to 14 with the intention of instilling a sense of sisterhood, cultural pride, academic excellence and service to the community within its participants, through team-building activities and projects.

The Sigma Lambda PEARLS Program is being piloted with a group of 15 fifth graders at P.S. 43 with the hopes of expanding to other New York City schools by the year 2001.

Program participants will be known as the Sigma Lambda PEARLS and will work closely with the Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Seņoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., who, through their diverse careers and backgrounds will expose the PEARLS to opportunities and experiences many times denied to young girls in today’s male-dominated society.

The PEARLS will actively participate in Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Seņoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., community service projects and events thus developing pride in their culture and a passion for education. The Sigma Lambda PEARLS will also enjoy field trips that will expose them to college, careers and culture.

``These girls really need a program like this because it gives them the opportunity to see that there were once young girls just like them that have gone on to such great things in life, all because of an education," said Maria Delgado, president of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Seņoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.

The Hermanas of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Seņoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., are committed to diminishing the negative statistics and gender stereotypes of women through programs such as the Sigma Lambda PEARLS and the Sigma Lambda LADY’S Program (Sigma Lambda for the Leadership, Advancement and Development of our Young Sisters), a similar initiative geared toward girls 14 to 18, focusing on college and career preparation.

Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Seņoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., was founded on Dec.1, 1987 at Binghamton University as an organization that would provide sisterhood and support while also promoting academic achievement, service to the community and cultural enrichment. Almost thirteen years since its establishment, the organization has expanded to 19 schools across the country, touching the lives of more than 200 women.