Latin recording artist Natti Natasha announced as Spokesperson for Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s CSL en Español effort powered by Infosys Foundation USA

WASHINGTON, DC – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Infosys Foundation USA today announced that dominant female Latin recording artist Natti Natasha will serve as the spokesperson for the CSL (Code as a Second Language) en Español program. The national initiative will introduce computer science to English Language Learners (ELLs) through one of the first Spanish-language, coding options in the nation.

“I am inspired in every way by my Latino heritage,” said the Award-Winning Natti Natasha. “It is in my music, it is in my soul, it is in every part of my life. I also understand my responsibility to our community, especially to youth. More than half of all jobs in the United States require technical skills, but most students don’t have access to computer science education.  That is why I am working with the Code as a Second Language program to make sure Latinos and other underrepresented youth learn to code.”

Currently, 3.8 million K-12 students in the U.S. are classified as ELLs with Spanish as their primary language. Currently, in the national dialogue around Computer Science (CS), ELLs are left out of the conversation because Spanish-language options don’t really exist. CSL en Español will support the development and delivery of a Spanish-language coding instruction option for K-5 children. The program is structured as a guided, grade-specific, self-paced learning with interactive assignments that do not require prior background in computer programming. Elementary school teachers will be provided with professional development to easily integrate CSL en Español into their teaching plans.

“We are thrilled that the amazing Natti Natasha will serve as the spokesperson for our CSL en Español program,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF. “As a global star and public figure, Natti is using her position to impact Latino youth who have tremendous potential but need resources in Spanish to help them advance in their education and careers.  The Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Infosys Foundation USA are proud to have Natti as a powerful voice on the importance providing access to computer science education in Spanish.”

Click here for the social media video clips featuring Natti Natasha at CSL en Español (ENG) https://youtu.be/T8YuPeP4U9I  and (ESP)  https://youtu.be/IH3GLoJZhAg and using the hashtag #CSLenEspañol.

Proclaimed “one of the new era’s dominant voices” (The Fader), Natti Natasha became the “Most-Watched Woman” on YouTube (overall) for two consecutive years, outranking top female artists Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa, among others. The Dominican-born singer continues to revolutionize a mostly male-led Latin urban genre and became the first Latin urban female artist to surpass the 2 Billion views with the massive global hit “Criminal” (Ozuna). Her trademark style and incomparable voice have made her into an undisputed force in modern music, and have produced high-profile collabs including “Runaway” (Sebastian Yatra, Daddy Yankee, Jonas Brothers) and “lnstagram” (Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, David Guetta, Daddy Yankee & Afro Bros). Her debut album “ilumiNATTI” produced multiple #1 singles, peaked #1 on U.S. & Puerto Rico charts and is certified multi-platinum with 1.3+ Billion streams. “La Mejor Versión de Mi (Remix)” ft. Romeo Santos peaked #1 on four Billboard’s Latin charts and surpassed 389+ million views on YouTube. Showing no signs of slowing down, her most recent singles “Despacio” and “Que Mal Te Fue” set a global social media storm, generating a combined 121+ million views on YouTube; quarantine-inspired “Que Mal Te fue” also made Natasha the #1 artist on IG’s “Leaderboard”, outpacing Selena Gomez and Dua Lipa, among others. Natti Natasha has participated in multiple COVID-19 efforts, including the “One World: Together At Home” supporting first responders and covid-19 efforts, made a donation through the Pedro Martinez Foundation to support families in her hometown of Santiago, DR, and lent her voice to the global anthem “Resistire (Dominican Republic)”, whose proceeds seek to help families of musicians in the Dominican Republic.

About Infosys Foundation USA

Infosys Foundation USA is committed to expanding computer science and maker education in the United States, with a specific focus on increasing access to underrepresented communities. The Foundation works with nonprofits, academic institutions, policy makers, educators and experts in the computer science and maker fields to prepare students and teachers for bright opportunities in a digital future. Learn more at http://www.infosys.org/usa/ follow on Twitter @InfyFoundation or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/InfosysFoundationUSA.

About Hispanic Heritage Foundation

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a national nonprofit which inspires, prepares, positions and connects minority leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities. Through HHF’s Code as a Second Language initiative, tens of thousands of Latino students across the nation, are introduce and taught to code. Once they are initiated, they are connected to each other, to mentors, and to the award-winning LOFT (Latinos On Fast Track) program for further development, connectivity and placement into the workforce (Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org) Follow HHF on Facebook and Twitter. 

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