WSU Hosts 10th Annual College Preparedness Conference to Inspire Black Student Achievement
OGDEN, Utah - Weber State University will host the 10th annual Expect the Great college and career preparedness conference on March 26 and 27. This free, virtual conference is designed to inspire high achievement in Black high school and college students, equip them with resources and tools, and build a sense of community among students. This year’s theme is Black Minds Matter: Build. Invest. Connect. Empower.
.jpg)
“The conference’s purpose is to provide information, resources and other support to increase college participation, retention and graduation,” said Betty Sawyer, Weber State Access & Diversity community engagement coordinator. “As we share information, we hope to inspire participants to chart their path to higher education and careers.”
High school students will have the opportunity to participate in three sessions covering topics such as paying for college, exploring degrees and careers and student mental health/self-care. For the college students, sessions will cover financial planning, civic engagement in the community, and career skills.
Students in both sessions will also be treated to special activities designed to excite and build community among Utah’s Black students. According to a 2019 estimate, the number of people who identify as Black or African American in Utah stands at 1.6%. For Black youth, such demographics can lead to feelings of racial isolation when very few people look like them in an educational setting.
“This conference is a safe space to build up, connect with, invest in and empower our Utah Black students,” Sawyer said.
Expect the Great began with the leadership of Utah System of Higher Education Board of Regents Vice Chair France A. Davis, who sought an outreach event aimed at increasing college access, participation, retention and graduation for African, African-American and Black students and communities.
High school students will meet March 26 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., while the college student conference takes place March 27 noon-4:30 p.m. A community workshop event will be hosted on March 27 from 9:30 a.m.-noon. All events are free and will be held virtually.
Visit weber.edu/expectthegreat to find out more or to register for the event.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Sydney Fairclough, Expect the Great student marketing coordinator
sydneyfairclough@mail.weber.edu- Contact:
Betty Sawyer, Access and Diversity community engagement coordinator
801-626-7027 • bettysawyer@weber.edu