The University of Toledo

LATINO YOUTH SUMMIT (LYS)

 About Last Year's (2010) Latino Youth Summit

Thanks to its many sponsors, last year’s event was a huge success. More than 800 Latino junior high and high school youths participated in the all day conference, which focused on encouraging graduation from high school and looking at college and other career opportunities upon graduation. 

This continues to be one of the largest gatherings of Latino students in the region.  Many of the students walked away with a feeling of pride in their heritage and with new ideas and information for a better future.  Last year’s event armed youth and families with college planning information. Included were information sessions about pre-high school and pre-college coursework and career related information about occupational fields requiring skills in science, math and technology with ways to pursue a career path. Interactive sessions immersed junior high participants in science and chemistry as they made a fragrant body lotion they could take home. Information and discussion groups for tenth to twelfth grade students ranged from appropriate courses to take to financial assistance for college, as well as, alternate post-secondary options such as the military.  Also, presented was information about preparation for the building trades and required steps toward a chosen career path.

An important aspect of the Summit was the opportunity for Latino students to meet representatives from colleges that comprise the ECHHO association, Educators in College Helping Hispanics Onward.  This college fair allowed students to obtain information pertaining to college admission and scholarship opportunities. The Summit provided ECHHO with an opportunity to interact with the largest gathering of Latino youth from northwest Ohio.

• Parent's Track & Dinner
  On the eve of the Latino Youth Summit, parents took part in a Parent Track. The Parent component provided opportunities for parents to be engaged in dialogue with professionals from areas such as the UT Office of Admissions, Adelante, and other community agencies.  Parents seized this time to ask questions and collect business cards from other Latinos employed in schools and universities. Moreover, this was an opportunity to empower parents to help their children graduate from high school and encourage college attendance.  Download the Parent's Track flyer here.

Overnight Experience
As part of the Latino Youth Summit Experience, an overnight component has been established. For the third year, sixty Latino students from the 8th through 12th grade spent a day and night on The University of Toledo campus.  They took part in a number of educational sessions, classes and fun activities with the purpose of preparing them for a university career.  Students enjoyed the overnight and are looking to return next year.

College Scholarships
As children register for the Summit, we targeted seniors to apply for a college scholarship at The University of Toledo.  11 scholarships were awarded in 2010. One of the scholarships valued at $1,000 was awarded by the Latino Student Union. Finally, The University of Toledo awarded 10 one-year housing scholarships to students attending the Summit who had a 3.00 GPA.  Those students were also awarded a $2,000 renewable scholarship.

2011 Latino Youth Summit
The results of the Latino Youth Summit concluded that preparation for college success needs to begin early and must be sustained throughout the school years. It is now time to take the next step. To address the Latino achievement gap in northwest Ohio, and the reality of a growing Latino population, The University of Toledo is already planning the 2011 Latino Youth Summit for May 10, 2011.

Past Latino Youth Summit Programs
You can take a look at past summits here.