Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar will celebrate the accomplishments of nearly 1,200 students enrolled in its "specially funded programs" with a recognition ceremony on June 6.

Specially funded programs are programs supported by grants from federal, state and local government agencies. They allow Mission College to provide education, training and services to low income students, the unemployed, foster children, parents in need of child care, non-English speakers, troubled families and others.

For the most part, these are students who have had to overcome diverse life difficulties to pursue a higher education or employment skills.

"This event celebrates the spirit of never giving up, of always trying to better yourself," said Edgardo Zayas, dean of Mission College's specially funded programs.

About 900 students, family members and guests are expected to attend the ceremony, said Zayas.

Keynote speaker will be Mario Matute, director of the Valley Family Technology Project Center, a program which seeks to bridge the digital gap in poorer communities by providing training in computer and technology skills to young people and adults in the northeast San Fernando Valley.

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