(June 21, 2008) Boyle Heights, Los Angeles - Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard urged high school students participating in the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles' Adelante Leadership Program to become actively engaged in local civic life and to further their education as a critical means toward a better life. During the 16-week program at the club’s East 4th Street location in Boyle Heights, the students participate in leadership, technology, and college preparatory workshops to prepare them for college admission. Students also participate in a California state issues debate, a Presidential debate and a model United Nations competition. One hundred percent of participants continue on to pursue a higher education and ninety-eight percent of Adelante graduates are accepted into the University of California and California State Universities’ school systems. Offered at no cost to participants, the program is the brain child of Mr. Angel Obregon, Assistant Vice President of Government Relations at AltaMed. The Adelante Leadership Program is one of the many top alternatives offered at the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles. Since 1966, the club has served as a fun and safe environment for young people by offering a wide-variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, educational programs, individual and group guidance sessions, and career information. The club also works with other agencies to educate young people about teen pregnancy and drug and alcohol abuse. The club serves more than two thousand boys and girls annually. Pictured in the photo: Adelante Leadership Program students surrounding Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) (shown center front); Mr. Angel Obregon (top right in white shirt); and Denis Quiñonez, Director of Government Relations, Salesian Boys & Girls Clubs of Los Angeles (top right, next to Mr. Obregon).