Theme: A Place of Our Own: Social Justice in Illinois Higher Education

When: Saturday, April 19, 2008, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Where: UIC, The Forum, 725 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Illinois 60607

Target: African American and Latino secondary and post secondary students in Illinois

Goal: To inform African American and Latino students of the unique contribution of African American and Latinos in the quest for access to Illinois public and private institutions of higher education (two and four year colleges and universities); and to inculcate leadership skills and values in order to counteract continuing assaults to higher education for traditionally under-represented groups.

Objectives: The objectives of the conference include:

1. Youth empowerment;
2. Connecting youth to the New Majority Coalition agenda through ILACHE and ICBCHE;
3. Documenting and passing on the legacy of the fight for access and legacy in higher education; and
4. Addressing the gentrification of higher education through the “diversity” agenda.
   
   

Expected Outcomes: The expected outcomes of the conference include:

• Increased leadership skills among African American and Latino Students;
• Increased advocacy among African American and Latino students in advancing increased access and equity;
• Increased peer relationships between African American and Latino students;
• Increased persistence and graduation of African American Latino students;
• Increased retention and graduation rates; and
• Greater psychological and cultural adjustment to post-secondary education.
  

Panels: Topics of discussion, panels, and plenary sessions include:

• Improvisation-based Performances (TBA)
• The Black Latino Dialogue: Enduring Tension and Opportunities for Unity and Collaboration
• The Struggle for Immigration Rights: Addressing the Needs of Undocumented Students
• Mastering Leadership: The Spiritual, Mental and Physical Challenges
• Coping Culturally: It’s An Issue of Identity
• Dropping Out: The Declining Presence of African American and Latino Males on College Campuses
• Navigating College: Anticipating the Common Pitfalls
• From High School to College: Addressing Systemic Bias-- The Path to Getting There
• The Continuing Quest for Social Justice: Is There a Role for Hip Hop?The New Majority Coalition: Embracing the Covenant—The Responsibility of This Generation
• The Legacy of Educational Struggles in Illinois: A Dialogue with the Elders
• Taking Advantage of Available Support and Opportunities
• Studying to Learn: Developing Winning Studying Skills— Writing and Time Management
• Career and College Fair
  

Student Leadership Conference Registration Form
(April 19, 2008)