Kirk says nearly 30 percent of Latino students don't finish high school. One reason is because the language barrier keeps parents from getting involved in their child's education.
"Together, we make sure that moms and dads are reading with their kids, helping with homework -- helping them to succeed in high school and making sure that they go onto college," said Rep. Mark Kirk, (R) Illinois.
Kirk launched FIRST in 2005, but it was later cut because of the lack of funding.