College to host conference for 400 middle school and high school Latino boys

    Education statistics for California Latino boys are grim – 53% do not finish high school.  In an effort to turn those statistics around, Palomar College is scheduled to host 400 local middle school and high school Latino boys at the 7th Annual Encuentros Education & Career Conference, Saturday, October 23, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the San Marcos campus. This year, for the first time, concurrent conferences will be held at Palomar and MiraCosta colleges, with plans to accommodate more than 1,000 attendees from surrounding communities at both campuses. 

    The conference is sponsored by Encuentros Leadership, and Palomar and Mira-Costa colleges. The conference theme, “Discover Your Future,” provides the backdrop for the conference organizers main goal – increase the number of Latinos graduating from high school and earning a college degree.  Students will attend presentations, as well as a series of workshops throughout the day.  Students will also have the opportunity to meet with Latino professionals and start thinking about their future career. The conference is free of charge.

    The conference featured speaker is Palomar College alumni Dr. Narciso Iglesias, Director/Principal, Borrego Spring High/Middle Schools. Master of ceremonies is Xavier “The X-Man” from Magic 92.5. The day will begin for attendees with music from the Traveling Gypsies – a San Marcos-based band. 

    “We are pleased to have Palomar College jointly hosting this important conference at the San Marcos campus this year,” stated Mark Evilsizer, Palomar College Governing Board Vice President and Encuentros Leadership Board member. “As an identified Hispanic-serving institution, Palomar College has already developed a five-year plan to improve Hispanic student retention and academic success. We look forward to showcasing our campus and the talented faculty, staff and programs to these young men.”

    Encuentros Leadership, founded in 2003 by local activist Robert Rivas, aims to bring successful Latinos in business, education and government face-to-face with at-risk children, to encourage them to continue with their education and expose them to different career options.

    To register for the conference, go to www.encuentrosleadership.org.