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HISPA Inspires Future Latino Leaders with Dynamic Youth Conferences at Princeton University and AT&T

HISPA (Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement), a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring Latino youth to believe in themselves and achieve their full potential, hosted two impactful events this June. Youth Conferences at Princeton University on June 7 and AT&T on June 14 brought together Elizabeth, NJ, students, professionals, and educators to emphasize the importance of high school to college success and foster enthusiasm for STEM education and related career possibilities.

Princeton University Youth Conference

On June 7, the prestigious Princeton University was the backdrop for a Youth Conference, themed “Take Action! Achieve Your Dreams!” sponsored by Bank of America and co-sponsored by Princeton’s Human Resources and the Office of the Provost. One hundred and forty-six enthusiastic students from Jerome Dunn Academy and Juan Pablo Duarte-Jose Julian Marti schools participated in this inspiring event. For many students, it was their first experience with higher education, making the day particularly transformative.

The conference aimed to excite students about college life and engage students in exploring careers possible with a STEM education. The cornerstone of the day was STEM-focused interactive workshops led by industry leaders, including Verizon, Bloomberg, Educational Testing Service, Crum & Forster, Merck, and PSEG. These sessions gave students hands-on experiences and invaluable insights into various STEM careers they may not have previously known about or considered.

Prominent speakers added to the event’s richness. Vivian Slee, Associate Director of Graduate Admission at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs, stressed the importance of diversity and educational opportunities. TaLisa Ramos Watts, Associate Director of Student Affairs at Penn State University, shared her journey and the critical role of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s dreams. Kevin Hudson, Associate Director for Institutional Diversity and College Opportunity at Princeton’s Office of the Provost, emphasized the importance of all students seeing Princeton as an accessible place where they belong.

Support from company volunteers and the Latino Princetonians was crucial in making the event successful, offering mentorship and guidance to the young attendees.

Youth Conference at AT&T

Just a week later, on June 14, HISPA was busy hosting a Youth Conference at AT&T for 97 students from Christopher Columbus School in Elizabeth. This event, supported by both Bank of America and AT&T, aimed to help students discover and explore new career possibilities while immersed in a professional business setting.

During the visit, students toured AT&T’s facilities, worked with cutting-edge technologies, and engaged with Hispanic role models. These activities provided a unique glimpse into the corporate world and the myriad career opportunities in the finance and technology sectors.

The visit featured inspiring speeches from Bank of America’s Dwayne Redmond, NJ Local Market Executive, and Cesar Santos, NJ Senior VP for Business Banking. Both speakers emphasized the importance of education, perseverance, and the diverse career paths available in the corporate landscape for motivated young individuals.

Conclusion

HISPA’s Youth Conferences embody the organization’s mission to inspire Latino youth through real-life role models and hands-on learning experiences. By partnering with esteemed institutions like Princeton University and corporations such as AT&T and Bank of America, HISPA continues to create pathways for the next generation of Latino leaders.

These events not only provided students with critical exposure to STEM fields and higher education opportunities but also fostered a sense of community and support. HISPA remains committed to empowering Latino youth to pursue their academic and professional dreams, one inspiring event at a time.

For more information about HISPA and its Youth Conferences, please visit www.hispa.org. 

Photos:

HISPA Youth Conference at Princeton University: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBuyTfHISPA Youth Conference at AT&T –  https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBvQfV