More than 1,000 students and parents are expected at the 13th Annual Higher Education Conference on Saturday, March 24, at California State University, Fresno.

The conference, hosted by the Hmong Student Association of Fresno State with the theme “A Step to Success,” will begin at 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. beginning in the Satellite Student Union followed by a scholarship fundraiser dance/concert in the evening.

Tou Ger Xiong of St. Paul, Minnesota, an educator and comedian, will deliver the keynote. He will also conduct a presentation and workshop for the general public on Friday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the University Business Center.

The conference on Saturday will feature more than 20 workshops, which will be presented by professionals from throughout the community, said organizer Phong Yang, a University Outreach Services counselor in Fresno State’s College of Arts and Humanities.

“The main goal of the conference is to promote post secondary education with special sessions for parents as well as cultural sessions for students,” Yang said.

The conference will conclude with a concert/dance beginning from 7:30 p.m. to midnight featuring the Hmong band “Paradise” in the Satellite Student Union. The Fresno band is donating the proceeds to a scholarship fund for Hmong students entering Fresno State next fall. The goal is to generate five $1,000 scholarships.

“This marks the first time that a fundraiser of this scale will be hosted in the Hmong community, in which all proceeds go to benefit students,” Yang said.

For more information, contact Yang at 278-6618.