Chicanos Por La Causa is seeking nominations across the state to recognize special teachers making a difference in the community.

Established in 1998, the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards program is the only award in Arizona that specifically recognizes Latino teachers whose passion positively impacts the learning environment and inspires future generations.

“Behind every great success story is a teacher who believed in a student to reach their full potential,” Alicia Nuñez, Chicanos Por La Causa interim president and CEO. “CPLC is inspired by the teachers who show up every day for their students, going beyond their job description to make a lasting influence outside the classroom.”

Each honoree will receive a $5,000 cash award and a stipend of $2,500 to their respective schools.

Nominees must be a full-time teacher of Latino descent and must teach at a state-approved or accredited school in Arizona to be eligible.

Nominations from across the state must be submitted before 5 p.m. Friday, March 29.

Applications may be downloaded at cplc.org and submitted via email to cathy.keppel@CPLC.org or mailed to Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., Attn: Cathy Keppel, 1112 E. Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85034.

For more than 26 years, CPLC has celebrated hundreds of outstanding Latino educators. The Esperanza Awards are presented by Cox Communications and SRP in collaboration with Arizona Bank & Trust and Southwest Airlines.

Visit https://cplc.org/esperanza to learn more about the Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards and previous honorees.