HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Over 800 students will unite for the 9th Annual Hispanic Youth Leadership Conference on Tuesday.
The conference is designed to help Hispanic students identify the gifts they possess and gain inspiration from Hispanic leaders. Students can choose from 13 educational workshops and explore college and career paths that suit their interests.
Executive Director Roberto Jara of Latin American United for Progress (LAUP) in Holland says the conference makes the largest impact on students. Students are exposed to professional Latino leaders and others from all backgrounds sharing their stories on how they overcame obstacles in order to achieve education and professional success.
Jara says one the things that is most effective at motivated students is being able to see someone like them who has achieved success in their lives.
“Over the years I have heard from kids that have gone on to college and are now in various professional careers say it was being able to see a person like business owner Tony Castillo share their story. Castillo owns several Holland McDonalds. It was seeing him and knowing his background was similiar to mine and that he walked in my shoes that had the most impact.”
The conference is free and students can contact their school’s guidance counselor or principal to sign up or email LAUP.
