WSU Hosts African-American College and Career Preparedness Conference

OGDEN, Utah — High school and college students as well as community members are invited to learn about higher education and career opportunities during Expect the Great, a college and career awareness conference especially for the African-American community on Oct. 10 at Weber State University.

The conference will take place in the Shepherd Union from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Students will learn about college admission, paying for college, student services, strategies to navigate college successfully, resume building and employment opportunities.

“Expect the Great is a college and career awareness conference targeting members of the African, African-American and black communities,” said Betty Sawyer, transition programs and partnerships coordinator. “The conference’s purpose is to provide information, resources and other support to increase college participation, retention and graduation. Our theme is ‘Your Pathway to Success.’ As we share information, we hope to inspire participants to chart their path to higher education and careers.”

The conference has been a part of a Utah System of Higher Education statewide effort for the past four years. It began when Board of Regents member France A. Davis requested an outreach event to increase college access for African-American and black students. Davis and Utah’s Commissioner of Higher Education David Buhler will be in attendance at the event.

Expect the Great is hosted by a different college or university every year. This year will mark the second time WSU has hosted the fair. In 2012, the event attracted more than 150 participants. According to Sawyer, this year’s event is expected to exceed those numbers.

Four workshops will be held to cover subjects such as applying for financial aid, succeeding in college and attending school while working. Guest speakers and a panel of current college students will offer participants a chance to ask questions.

A special session for school counselors and administrators will discuss a disturbing national trend where children are moved out of public schools and into the juvenile criminal-justice system. The session will look specifically at the report recently released by the Utah Public Policy Clinic, “Finger Paint to Finger Prints.”

The conference concludes with a college and career exposition, featuring colleges and universities from Utah as well as area employers. Participants are encouraged to bring their resume to the event.

Registration will run from 8-9 a.m. Workshops will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. followed by the college and career exposition from 1-3 p.m. Free continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

“The conference provides a unique and engaging opportunity to interact with college and university staff, connect with community professionals and talk one-on-one with current college students to gain first-hand information and tips for success,” Sawyer said.

Visit weber.edu/expectthegreat to find out more or register for the event.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:
Allison Barlow Hess, Director of Public Relations
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu
Contact:

Betty Sawyer, transition programs and partnerships coordinator
801-626-7027 • bettysawyer@weber.edu