Latinos have the lowest level of education of any demographic group in the United States. Only 45% of Latinos in California, compared to 50% nationally, have completed high school.3 Approximately 400,000 Latinos are 65 or older. Between 1983 and 1988 this group grew at a rate of nearly 27%, making it the fastest growing group for any elderly population in the United States.6 California Latinos have twice the poverty rate as whites.5