Project Success Coalition

Media Release Project Success Coalition 846 24th Street Ogden, UT 84401 801-394-0924 [email protected] For Immediate Release Contact: Betty Sawyer, Director

African American Youth Empowerment Summit Say YES! “Yes I Can, Yes I Will!”

Over 200 African American Youth will converge on the Weber State University Campus in Layton, Utah to attend the 5th Annual African American Youth Conference. The Conference targets high school students and is replete with dynamic workshops and speakers who will share information on higher education opportunities, career opportunities, tobacco & other healthy prevention issues affecting youth, admission procedures, out of state higher education opportunities and financial aide/scholarships. Current students, including Black Student Union, Delta Psi Nu Professional Student Organization, Delta Sigma Theta and Multicultural Student Centers from Weber State University, Salt Lake Community College, Utah State University, and Ogden/Weber Applied Technology College will be at the Conference to share first hand knowledge of their college experiences.

Dr. Brenda Burrell, Utah State Office of Education, will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Burrell is the Minority Graduation Specialist and Administers the Advanced Placement Incentive Program which seeks to increase the number of low – income and ethnic minority students in honors and Advanced Placement classes and provides professional development for Middle, Jr. High and High School staff. She facilitates the MESA –Mathematics, Engineering Science Achievement and works to increase the number of underserved minority and female students who pursue coursework, advanced study and possible careers in mathematics, engineering and science careers.

The students will also share in a “Dialogue on Race” to review and discuss the results a general assessment of racial issues on campus and how to keep your “eyes on the prize” when you’re the only African American in your class or your community. There will be a special musical presentation by Markilo Anderson that is certain to inspire. Representatives from the Department of Workforce Services will share job and career information and share with students, what employees are looking for and the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce will provide insight into Entrepreneurship.

A special thank you to our sponsors, Weber State University, Salt Lake Community College, Utah Transit Authority, Northern Utah United Way, Ogden School District, Weber School District, Davis School District, Granite School District, Harambee Tobacco & Health Network and the Ogden Branch NAACP.