Outreach
High School Student Empowerment Conferences
Continue hosting the High School Student Empowerment Conferences during the winter and spring quarters. To inspire high school students to pursue higher education by offering culturally relevant workshops, interactive activities, and opportunities to connect with college staff, faculty, and peers. These conferences aim to foster a sense of belonging, empower students with knowledge, and highlight the resources available to support their academic journey.
Timing and Structure:
- Seasonal Focus: Host the conference during the winter and spring quarters to maximize participation and align with students’ preparation for post-secondary plans.
- Event Duration: A half-day or full-day event featuring a mix of workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
Interactive Workshops:
- Sessions tailored to students’ cultural backgrounds and interests, highlighting diverse pathways to success.
- Topics could include navigating the college admissions process, financial aid, learning communities, exploring career opportunities, developing leadership skills, and fostering personal growth.
Culturally Relevant Programming:
- Collaborate with learning communities, cultural clubs, and student organizations to design workshops that resonate with the diverse backgrounds of attendees.
- Invite keynote speakers, including alumni or community leaders, who share similar lived experiences and can inspire students.
Engaging Activities:
- Campus tours led by student ambassadors to showcase facilities and resources.
- Interactive panels where students can ask questions and hear from current college students.
- Fun elements like photo booths, raffle prizes, and icebreakers to make the experience memorable.
Village Introductions:
- Introduce students to their respective Villages—a concept that groups students by academic and personal interests, providing a community to support their college journey.
- Host activities within Village groups to foster early connections and a sense of belonging.
Resources:
- Include resource tables with information about financial aid, Promise Program, and other support services.
Logistics and Planning:
- Partner with local high schools to identify and invite students, ensuring outreach to graduating seniorsl
- Collaborate with the Equity Office and Learning Communities to develop inclusive content.
- Secure funding to cover event costs, including materials, food vendors, and keynote speakers.
Outcomes and Feedback:
- Use surveys to gather student feedback about their experience and the effectiveness of the workshops.
- Track how many attendees apply to the college
- Continued metrics and date on the outcomes of the conference
Lead: Stacey Carrasco, Outreach Office
Plan Lead: Stacey Carrasco
Plan Timeline
Winter 2024
Implement and provide high school conferences for each ethnicity during the winter focusing on junior and seniors and recruiting after to seniors upon graduation.
Black Empowerment Conference Feb. 8, 2024
Latinx Empowerment Conference March 7, 2024
Filipinx, Pacific Islander,Southeast Asian Empowerment Conference March 21, 2024
Spring 2024
To initiate the planning for the Winter 2025 High School Empowerment Conference, we will assemble kickoff meetings with dedicated planning committees. Our goal is to actively recruit and inspire De Anza faculty and staff across departments to volunteer and engage in various aspects of conference preparation and execution. By fostering broad campus involvement, we aim to create a collaborative and impactful event that supports and empowers our high school junior senior students.
Fall 2024
Enlist interested DA faculty and staff to be a part of the planning committee. In Fall 2024, we will begin convening with planning committee members to recruit keynote speakers and entertainment for the High School Empowerment Conference.
Conference Date set for May 2, 2025
Proposed agenda items:
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Check-In, Breakfast
- Welcome table with name tags and program schedules.
- Light refreshments and music to create an inviting atmosphere. If food is possible?
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Opening Session
- Welcome remarks from College President
- Inspirational keynote speaker (e.g., successful alumni or community leader).
- Overview of the day’s agenda and expectations.
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM: Workshop Session 1
- Students attend a workshop of their choice:
- “Pathways to College”: Understanding admissions and financial aid.
- “Finding Your Why”: Exploring personal motivations and career goals.
- “Cultural Connections”: Celebrating identity and leveraging it for success.
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Campus Tour
- Guided tours led by student ambassadors, highlighting Villages, support services, and campus life.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Village Introduction and Activities
- Students join their respective Villages based on academic interests or goals.
- Icebreaker activities and group discussions to build community.
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Lunch and Resource Fair
- Networking lunch with tables hosted by campus departments and student organizations.
- Opportunity to visit resource booths (e.g., financial aid, counseling, learning communities).
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM: Workshop Session 2
- Additional workshop options:
- “Building Resilience”: Overcoming challenges and staying motivated.
- “College 101”: A day in the life of a college student.
- “Leadership in Action”: Developing skills to make an impact.
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Student Panel Discussion
- Current college students share their experiences and answer questions.
- Topics include transitioning from high school, finding support, and tips for success.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Closing Session
- Recap of the day and key takeaways.
- Prize raffle (e.g., college swag, gift cards).
- Final words of encouragement and contact information for follow-up.
Winter 2025
The planning committee will meet to develop the event details, program agenda, and overarching theme. These meetings will focus on finalizing the conference agenda, developing engaging workshops, and logistics for the day of event to ensure a meaningful experience for all participants. Will meet with committee to determine how often meetings will occur.
Spring 2025
Finalize high school attendees, transportation, food, event date.