Some 700 students and parents are expected to participate in the 16th Annual African American Student Recruitment Conference at California State University, Fresno on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Charles Francis, a State Center Community College administrator who was recently elected to the Fresno County Board of Education, will deliver the keynote speech at 8:45 a.m. in the Satellite Student Union where registration begins at 8 a.m.
Sponsored by University Outreach Services, the conference is designed for middle school, high school and community college students and their parents, said Steven Watkin, conference chairperson and an Outreach counselor.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Satellite Student Union followed by workshops on financial aid, survival strategies for higher education, scholarships and admission. Special sessions for parents will cover issues related to college preparation.
Watkin said the purpose of the conference is to motivate students to achieve their maximum potential and prepare for the future through higher education.
Francis was raised in the Fresno area and has been active in numerous community organizations including the Police Activities League, the NAACP and the United Black Men. He is also a member of the Business Advisory Council of the Sid Craig School Business at Fresno State.
The conference is free of charge, including lunch. For further information, contact Watkin at (559) 278-2048.
