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Saginaw Valley State University

October 19, 2016

SVSU to host Advocates for Latino Student Advancement Conference

Carlos Ojeda Jr.Saginaw Valley State University will host some 500 high school students from across Michigan for the 14th annual Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education (ALSAME) Conference Friday, Oct. 21. The event will be held in SVSU’s Ryder Center and Curtiss Hall; it runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will feature keynote speaker Carlos Ojeda Jr., founder of CoolSpeak: The Youth Engagement Company, at around 2:40 p.m. A former college administrator, Ojeda focuses on teaching students across the country that their voices can be powerful through events meant to both educate and empower them.

ALSAME is a non-profit organization that works to aid Latino students in their college endeavors. In bringing high school students to different universities across the state of Michigan, the organization gives them the opportunity to be introduced to a collegiate setting and equips them with information and training regarding college and career readiness. The theme of the conference is “Embracing Our Heritage and Achieving Success for ME.” Workshop presenters will include SVSU faculty members, staff, students, and community members, as well as ALSAME members.

The organization advocates for the involvement of parents, teachers, advisors and counselors in preparing Latino students for academic success. The conference will provide information regarding student admission, financial aid, career and housing information as well as special interest opportunities for Latino students.

The conference will give visiting students the chance to tour the SVSU campus and participate in several workshops throughout the day. Lunch and transportation will be provided.

Sponsors of the ALSAME conference include SVSU, Eastern Michigan University GEAR UP, Grand Valley State University GEAR UP, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the Saginaw Community Foundation and the Imlay City School District. For registration information, please contact Patricia Young at emenp1pa@cmich.edu.