Janet Padilla, (first row, third from left) manager of Ford PAS, is pictured with 33 students from throughout the country who received sponsorships from Ford Motor Company Fund to attend HACU’s (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities) 27th Annual Conference held October 27^th at the Hilton in Chicago. The conference provided a forum for best practices in the education of Hispanics, while promoting and expanding strategic partnerships. In addition to the sponsorship, Ford partnered with HACU to connect students with available internships in leading national Hispanic organizations also in attendance at the conference. Education is a top priority at Ford and it understands the critical role education plays in the development of the country’s workforce.