VSU In the News

Virginia State University, in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund, will host this year’s Hispanic Youth Symposium July 14-17, becoming the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to host the summer, college empowerment program for Hispanic students.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell; retiring VSU President Eddie N. Moore, Jr.; and his wife, Elisia, will serve as honorary chairs of the symposium. Dr. Mirta M. Martin, Dean of VSU’s School of Business, will serve as Symposium chair. Martin is also a member of the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN), a grassroots, advocacy organization for Latino access to higher education that also held its annual conference at VSU earlier this year.

The Hispanic Youth Symposium prepares Hispanic high school students to attend college and pursue professional careers in areas such as business, science, technology, health care, engineering and math. Working in partnership with Virginia, community-based organizations and schools, the Symposium will bring together over 200 students and over 200 community volunteers. A hallmark of the program is the year-round support and outreach provided after the symposium. Students will stay in VSU residence halls, enjoy meals in Jones Dining Hall and use classroom space in the School of Engineering, Science and Technology in order to get a “taste” of college life.

“A major strength of this program is that it teaches students how to chart a path of educational success in the American higher education landscape,” said Dr. Martin. “For VSU, it is an opportunity to showcase our academic programs and build relationships with prospective students and their parents.”

At the symposium, students will be provided with critical information on college preparation and success, including:

Preparing for and applying to college
Learning how a college education is financed
Applying for college scholarships
Connecting with Hispanic role models in the Virginia community
Finding resources and service-learning tools to become advocates of social change
Exploring career pathways in high-need industries
Participating in a college fair with 30-40 colleges and universities and meeting admissions representatives

Participating in speech, talent, art, and essay competitions that will result in scholarship awards to students

“This event is significant because it allows VSU the opportunity to expose these high school students to its beautiful campus, new residence halls and outstanding facilities and prepare them early to consider applying to colleges, including VSU,” said Nancy L. Jones, VSU’s Director of Development.

For more information about the symposium, and a list of donors and supporters, please visit http://www.hispanicyouth.org/symposium-virginia.