Three years ago two institutions, University of Detroit-Mercy, and the
Monterrey Tech (widely recognized as the finest technological university
system in Mexico), started a Mexican American Partnership (MAP) in conjunction
with Ford Motor Company.  Dr. Teofilo Ramos, Dean of the College
of Engineering and Architecture at Monterrey Tech, and Dr.  Leo
Hanifin, Dean of Engineering at University of Detroit-Mercy, were the
initiators of the program.  The MAP focuses on Mexican and Latino/a students
involved in engineering programs in both schools.

   The MAP is the result of a strategic alliance to face the challenges of
the European Community and the Pacific Rim countries by preparing new
generations of engineering leaders.

   Most importantly, the MAP has a commitment to create leaders and
to develop a better understanding between the U.S. and Mexico.

MISSION
   The mission of MAP is to educate engineering leaders uniquely able to
support the auto industry in an era of unprecedented cooperation between
Mexico and the U.S. in automobile manufacturing.

OBJECTIVE
   The MAP's focus is to increase the number of  Latino/a
students enrolled in Engineering Programs at the University of Detroit Mercy
and to graduate engineers uniquely able to serve the auto industry in its
U.S./Mexican operations.

   Latino/a engineering students are offered the opportunity during their
junior year to study at the sister college and participate in a cooperative
education program at area business.

   This program has proved a success. In its third year of accomplishments it
has 40 students enrolled from accross the U.S. and some 13 Mexican students
are expected to join the program this year.  Such accomplishments have been
recognized by various newspapers and journals. According to the Wall Street
Journal (May 20,1993) Ford Motor Company hopes to hire all of the MAP's
graduate students. The Hispanic journal (July 1993), the Minority Issues
(April 1993), and the Hispanic Outlook (April 1995) have devoted articles to
the MAP. Likewise, the United Technologies Automotive News (March 1995), the
Chrysler Times (February-March 1995) as well as local newspapers in Detroit
and Mexico have praised the MAP.

   The list of MAP partners is also growing. Chrysler, Ameritech, United
Technologies, TRW, and Yazaki EDS have joined with Ford.  All of these
corporations contribute to the Mexican American Partnership Program.

  For additional information contact:

Mr. Ricardo H. Espinosa
Program Director
Mexican American Partnership Program
PO Box 19900
Detroit, Michigan 48219-0900
313-993-1595