One hundred Hispanic and Native American high school students will gather on UNM’s campus July 9-12, 2008 for the first New Mexico Hispanic Youth Symposium. New Mexico Lt. Governor Diane Denish and Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce CEO Alex O. Romero will co-chair the symposium, which is being hosted by the Hispanic College Fund and New Mexico Math Engineering Science Achievement.
"I am pleased to chair this important event," Lt. Governor Denish said in a news release. "The Hispanic College Fund gives youths a chance to deepen their knowledge in areas that form the backbone of our current and future economy. These students will take a step toward successful, well-paying careers - and help us attract forward-looking businesses."
The symposium will give students information about college and professional careers through workshops, inspirational mentors, and leadership opportunities. Attendance at the symposium includes a year-round follow-up program to further assist the students in preparing for college.
"The Hispanic Youth Symposium helps students realize that they can attend and succeed in college and in their chosen career. It's an honor to co-chair this important event. The fields of business, science, technology, engineering and math offer great career opportunities for the future and this symposium helps prepare them for the road to success," said Alex O. Romero, CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.
The program enjoys widespread community support. New Mexico Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement Inc. is partnering with the Hispanic College Fund to help identify and recruit students and to coordinate year-round educational programs. UNM is subsidizing the cost of meeting space and dorm rooms.
To participate, students must be residents of New Mexico; have a GPA of 2.5 or higher; complete an application and essay; submit $10 (waived on request); and be Hispanic or Native American or relate to Hispanic culture.
To learn more visit, Hispanic Youth Symposium in New Mexico.