2024 Conference

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

The 2024 Michigan Pre-College and Youth Outreach 16th Annual Conference will be taking place in-person on October 29, 2024 at The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI!

Welcome to the Conference

The 2024 conference will take place at the University of Michigan Student Union. Please park at the Maynard Parking Structure and follow the PCC signs to the Student Union. The conference will occur on Tuesday, October 29, from 8:00 to 4:30 PM. A hot breakfast will be served at 8:00 AM with welcome remarks. The first session of speakers will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by the Keynote Speaker at 10:10 AM. At the conference, the check-in desk will open at 8:00 AM and remain open throughout the event for any assistance or queries you may have.

The conference Steering Committee comprises 13 different educational institutions and organizations around the state of Michigan, with the University of Michigan serving as this year’s location host. Last chance to register is October 11, 2024.

Schedule at a Glance

Tuesday, October 29, 2024
  • 8:00 – 8:50 am Breakfast & Welcome
  • 9:00 – 10:00 am Session A
  • 10:10 – 11:10 am Keynote Speaker
  • 11:20 – 12:20 pmSession B
  • 12:20 – 1:20 pm Lunch with Music
  • 1:20 – 2:20 pm Adventure Leadership Activities
  • 2:30 – 2:55 pm Session C
  • 3:00 – 3:25 pm Session D
  • 3:30 – 4:00 pm Session E
  • 4:05 – 4:35 pm Session F
  • 4:35 – 4:45 pm Closing & Raffle
NOTE: all session blocks include invited speakers and proposal presentations as concurrent options for attendees

Monday Networking Reception

Conference admission also includes access to the optional Monday night networking reception on October 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. This event will consist of free food, drinks, live music, and networking opportunities with the conference Steering Committee and leaders from the University of Michigan. 

Date: October 28, 2024

Time:  6:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: Weiser Hall – Top Floor

Parking: Church Street Parking Structure 

About the Theme

Welcome to the 16th Annual Pre-College and Youth Outreach Conference (PCC), hosted by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on October 29, 2024. This year’s theme, “Daring to Dream: Guiding Students Together,” embodies our shared commitment to shaping the future of education through unity and innovation. Our collective efforts are more critical than ever in a world where the barriers to higher education are ever-evolving. This conference is a call to action—a chance to come together, share knowledge, and develop strategies to make college accessible and welcoming for all students. By fostering a sense of belonging, empowering students to take charge of their own educational journeys, and strengthening the skills of outreach professionals, we are paving the way for a brighter future. Your participation in this conference is more than just an opportunity to learn and grow; it’s an investment in the dreams of countless students. Join us as we explore innovative approaches, build lasting connections, and, most importantly, guide students toward a future filled with possibility. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help every student dare to dream.

Keynote Speaker

  • Enrique W. Neblett, Jr., PhD

    professor of health behavior and health equity at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and director of the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center (Detroit URC)

    Headshot of Enrique W. Neblett, Jr.
    Dr. Neblett is one of the leading U.S. scholars in the area of racism and health, with a particular focus on understanding how racism-related stress influences the mental and physical health of African American young people. In his newest research, he conducts community-based participatory research with an eye toward developing and implementing interventions, programs, and policies that can: 1) address the mental health consequences of individual, cultural, and structural racism; 2) improve health; and 3) promote health equity. Dr. Neblett’s research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the William T. Grant Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He teaches courses on race, ethnicity, mental health and population health, and is the Incoming Editor of Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology. Dr. Neblett received the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP) Distinguished Career Award in 2022 and, in 2021, was named the inaugural recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health James Jackson Memorial Award. In 2017, he was awarded the Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring. Dr. Neblett earned his Sc.B. from Brown University and his M.S. from The Pennsylvania State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2006.

Conference Tracks

Here are the conference track descriptions. Each session has a conference track listed on it for your convenience. There is also a suggested audience reference as well, but all are welcome to every section.

 

Track 1: Increasing Belongingness on Campus

Description: This track focuses on strategies and initiatives to foster belonging among pre-college students, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds (first-generation, LGBTQIA+, foster, rural, urban, multilingual, out-of-state, international, and more). Sessions may cover topics such as creating inclusive campus environments, building student organizations and affinity groups, implementing mentorship programs, addressing implicit bias, promoting cultural competence among staff, and leveraging student support services to enhance belongingness.

 

Track 2: Empowering Students to Author Their Journey

Description: This track empowers pre-college and college students to take ownership of their educational journey and career aspirations. Sessions may explore strategies for self-advocacy, goal setting, career exploration, and leadership development. Additionally, sessions may address the role of technology and digital platforms in supporting student agency and autonomy.

 

Track 3: Maximizing Potential as an Outreach Professional

Description: This track supports professional development and skill enhancement for university staff engaged in pre-college outreach efforts. Sessions may cover leadership and career development, effective communication strategies, data-driven outreach planning, building partnerships with K-12 schools and community organizations, evaluation and data visualization, and navigating challenges in outreach work.

 

Track 4: Building Trust With Students, Families, and Schools

Description: This track focuses on proactive strategies for developing and maintaining trust with pre-college students, their families, and their schools before they arrive on a college campus. Sessions may address effective communication techniques, cultural competence in engaging diverse stakeholders, building rapport and empathy, and navigating challenging conversations.

Session A

In this conversation, we will explore challenges and opportunities in our work with Latinx youth and families. In this conversation, we will explore challenges and opportunities in our work with Latinx youth and families. Specifically, we will discuss issues of identity, language, and building trust across diverse Latinx communities.

Speakers
  • Teresa Satterfield, PhD, University of Michigan
  • Deborah Rivas-Drake, PhD, University of Michigan
  • Catalina Concha-Ormsby, University of Michigan

Many campus environments are not designed to meet the needs of low-income, first-generation, and racially minoritized students, leaving many to wonder if college is really for them. But what would happen if we created programs and campus cultures rooted in care and a desire to holistically promote these students’ success? In this session we will learn more about the Ecological Validation Model of Student Success, its impact on low-income, first-generation, and racially minoritized students, and how we might use it to create more caring and humanizing environments for all.

Speaker

  • Rosemary J. Perez, PhD, University of Michigan

In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn how to leverage the faculty-led, federally funded research grant proposal process to support outreach activities. We will begin with an overview of the federally funded landscape and trends in outreach requirements for research grants. We will lead attendees in brainstorming how current or future activities may fit within the framing of a federal funder (e.g., National Science Foundation). Finally, we will provide advice on navigating common challenges and building positive relationships with faculty and other research development professionals.

Speakers

  • Savannah Hall, University of Michigan
  • Michelle Campbell, University of Michigan

Discover how virtual reality can revolutionize high school career exploration. Many students lack a clear educational or career plan because they don’t know what jobs truly entail. VR technology allows them to “try” various professions, providing immersive experiences of daily job activities. By eliminating roles that don’t resonate, students can narrow their options and make more informed decisions about their education and career paths. Empower your students to author their own journey with VR, making career planning engaging and effective.

Speakers

  • Joe Bamberger, Emerge
  • Anne Marie Kaufman, Emerge

Session B

Learn more about the new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the state’s first Office of Higher Education Hear about the statewide attainment goals and how your work helps fuel statewide goals Learn more about new state scholarship programs and how these investments help alleviate student and family concerns about cost Participate in a conversation about how the state can be a stronger partner in your work to achieve our shared goals of expanding college access and success and prosperity for our state.

Speaker

  • Michelle Richard, Deputy Director for Higher Education Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)

The session focuses on how a project hoped to build upon the success and infrastructure of Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) summer youth employment program to meet the larger goal of helping all Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students prepare for college and careers. Programs like GDYT are important connection and intervention points to influence student’s postsecondary education and career planning. DPSCD is invested in utilizing the Xello career planning and readiness online tool to work with all students in the district. Join us to learn how the GDYT program and community-based organizations are working together to leverage their programs to reinforce and support college and career planning efforts.

Speakers

  • Shuna Hayward, Vice President of Programs, Connect Detroit

  • Vania Ruiz, Youth Workforce Development Director, Urban Neighborhood Initiative

  • Alphonso Amos, Executive Director – Detroit, Urban Alliance

  • Trina Shanks, PhD, Professor of Social Work and Director of the Center for Equitable Family and Community Wellbeing, University of Michigan 

Students can hear advice one time and it can last for a lifetime—especially when it’s from a peer. In this interactive session with Intend2Attend and the Center for Educational Outreach, we’ll dive into the power of near-peer outreach in multiple contexts. From a day to a month to a year, you’ll hear how student leaders and young professionals leverage their stories to connect with high school students and navigate deeper conversations about college. Whether looking to explore the concept or apply it yourself, prepare to sail away with ideas for how you too can touch hearts and empower students through near-peer interactions!

Speakers

  • Alexa Lynch, University of Michigan

  • Anna Cools, University of Michigan

  • Dyrel Johnson, University of Michigan

  • Elizabeth Jaramillo, University of Michigan (Student Ambassador)

  • Madi Austin, University of Michigan (Student Ambassador)

  • Michael Turner, University of Michigan

  • Patrick Mullen-Coyoy, University of Michigan

  • Tyáe Grant, University of Michigan (Student Ambassador)

The importance of supporting identity, mental, emotional, and social health needs within youth programming has come into greater focus over the past few years. In the post-pandemic world, there are increasing complexities in the accommodations needed to best support youth when they are away from home. In this session, learn how to ask the right questions, strategically plan before programming starts, and use data to inform interactions with students to create an inclusive and accommodating environment for youth while on campus.

Speakers

  • Jessica Bilodeau, Michigan State University

  • Lindsay Wood, CampDoc

T2C Studio adapts the familial role of “Community Aunties,” providing support to first-gen scholars in a nurturing and familial manner. The holistic critical advising framework considers the unique backgrounds and experiences of these scholars, focusing on their strengths rather than deficits. Attendees will gain insights into practical strategies employed by the “Community Aunties” model, including asset-based programming such as the Summer Melt Tour, First Gen Week, and unique Professional Development opportunities. By sharing experiences and outcomes, this proposal aims to inspire educators and institutions to adopt similar approaches, contributing to a more inclusive and empowering educational landscape for all students.

Speaker

  • Gina Peters, Our Community’s Children- T2C Studio

Session C

According to the National Rural Education Association, nearly 1 in 5 Michigan students is considered to be rural, yet these rural students proportionately receive less funding than their more urban counterparts. Rural students and their educators face unique challenges such as resource availability, geographic location, and opportunity diversity. In this session, we will showcase the strengths and challenges of rural education with insights from students, educators, and educational partners and highlight ways to support rural students.

Speakers

  • Jannah Tumey, Michigan Technological University

  • Cassy Tefft de Muñoz, Michigan Technological University

During the 2023-24 programmatic year the Michigan GEAR UP program and the Center for Educational Outreach at Michigan Tech used data collected in the 2022-23 programmatic year from student surveys and administrator meetings at the beginning of the 2023-24 programmatic year to implement a needs-based approach to program and service delivery. This implementation results both in successful implementation of programming throughout the year and a significant increase in student, community and school participation. This success and consistent implementation has increased the communities’ trust in the programming provided by Michigan Tech’s MI GEAR UP program and Center for Educational Outreach.

Speaker
  • Kat Hauser, Michigan Technological University

The voices of young people have always been and always will be critical to the evolution of a just society. Since 2017, Michigan State University’s Global Youth Advancement Network (GYAN) has hosted an annual regional essay competition for 15–24-year-olds across the globe to advocate for their communities and share their opinions and stories about local and national challenges. Winning essays are awarded and published, amplifying student perspectives on self-advocacy, goal setting, and leadership, thereby influencing policy and fostering change.

Speaker
  • Luna Lu, Michigan State University

Say goodbye to traditional career interest inventories and embrace innovative approaches to career exploration with your students! Join us as we share with you successful field trips that were held with the support of our community professionals and college/university educators. Learn how career walks through town, facility tours and department visits can spark curiosity in your students to pursue specific career fields.

Speakers

  • Catherine Jordan, Michigan Technological University

  • Emily Cibulka, Michigan Technological University

What is the difference between a successful student and one who struggles, particularly when transitioning between high school and college? In many cases it’s not the ability to understand the curriculum, but the ability to produce results. Developing better executive functioning, or study skills, can be the key!

From understanding weekly time management to coping with digital distractions, from old-school techniques like timers to new school tools like virtual calendars, students can learn skills that help them to organize, plan, prioritize, and NOT procrastinate. Learn tips and strategies to help your students become executive function pros and find success!

Speakers

  • Nan Janecke, Western Michigan University

  • Kelly Schultz, Western Michigan University

Hands-on educational experiences in career discovery can introduce pre-college students to an abundance of opportunities and pathways, yet, some programs do not attract the enrollment expected for the quality of programming. What factors interest and motivate parents, guardians, and students to participate in extracurricular educational activities? In this session, we will explore the motivation of parents and guardians to enroll their student in Michigan Technological University Summer Youth Programs’ week-long academic, residential camps, including how financial aid impacts decision-making and identify strategies for future program recruitment.

Speaker

  • Brad Wells, Michigan Technological University

Session D

For decades the US has been described as a melting pot of cultures, but what if we reframe our vision? Instead of considering us a melting pot, we look at ourselves as a mosaic, where each culture, background, and identity is a tile in the beautiful picture that makes up our space. In this session, participants will learn ways to create a space where instead of blending cultures to fit one narrative, we explore how to create a space when each student is part of the large mosaic of our community.

Speaker

  • Kristen Thornton, University of Michigan

Wayne State University (WSU) and My1of1 have formed a transformative partnership aimed at empowering students to develop their educational and professional brands. Through interactive workshops and hands-on experiences with My1of1’s online platform, students explore creativity, brand building, and practical marketing skills. This collaboration enhances student individuality and also cultivates a robust entrepreneurial mindset. By designing personalized apparel and engaging in real-world marketing, students gain invaluable career readiness and practical insights. This presentation highlights how this partnership enriches the educational experience for WSU GEAR UP students, equipping students with tools to innovate, and succeed in diverse marketing roles and entrepreneurial ventures.

Speakers

  • Jamar Lockhart, Wayne State University (GEARUP)
  • Lindsay Scott, Wayne State University (GEARUP)
  • Ahmon Metdals, My1of1
Self-disclosure is a critical component of building strong relationships and encouraging curiosity. Learn how sharing your story can be a powerful tool when guiding student populations in career exploration. Speakers
  • Brennah Grace Donahue, City of Detroit (Parks and Recreation Division)
  • Jordan Irving, Detroit River Education Coalition

DAPCEP has served generations of children and families throughout Southeastern Michigan for more than 45 years. Our length of service reflects priorities and goals established early in our organization history. DAPCEP’s mission is to ensure student access to high quality, STEM-focused, academic experiences outside the traditional school day. Achieving this mission has involved applying novel strategies, expanding our definition of “support”, and building intentional relationships with families, students, and schools. In this presentation, we will share our history and best practices for engaging students from racial and ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in STEM.

Speaker

  • Michelle Reaves, Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP)

Managing programming takes a village, and a large part of that village is our student staff. Student staff have their own unique needs as they continue to navigate their own college journey and begin to transition into young professionals. How do we balance developing our student staff, trusting them to author our programs, and meet programmatic goals? In this session we will discuss what guides our practices and reflect on what we need to learn moving forward. Note: While ideas/concepts can certainly be adapted for different programming models, we will not be referencing residential summer program staff during this session.

Speakers

  • Tulsa Fearing, University of Michigan
  • Lauren Clarkson, University of Michigan

Session E

Brand New/First Year Outreach Professional: This presentation is geared towards new or relatively new outreach professionals

The goal of this presentation is to provide knowledge to engage, encourage and empower students. We will discuss how to implement a growth mindset, re-framing adversity as a learning tool, and best practices to establish rapport with students. This session will also demonstrate how to use practical strategies skills/tools such as time management, goal setting, proactive planning etc. to foster student success & self-advocacy.

Speaker

  • Brittney Thomas, Central Michigan University

This session will provide highlights from a newer book featuring case studies of pre-college programs throughout the U.S. These case studies include an overview of the program, its objectives, impact, and challenges. Each case study highlights 1-2 dimensions of an effective pre-college program. This session will discuss the takeaways from these case studies and how to extract elements and apply them to our own programs.

Speakers

  • Christopher Tremblay, University of Michigan

  • Susan Sheth, Michigan State University

This presentation will be exploring what Gen Z values in mentorship relationships as well as the workplace. We will introduce the SummerWorks program and then provide an overview of how mentorship improves professional outcomes for young adults. We will also be discussing how to educate mentors to work across different identities, brainstorm ideas for engaging with mentors as a summer program, and provide resources on impactful mentorship.

Speakers

  • Kathleen Clancey, University of Michigan

  • Morgan Cox, University of Michigan

  • Mel Monier, University of Michigan

The Detroit River Story Lab, an interdisciplinary initiative at the University of Michigan, collaborates with community organizations to re-envision the region’s primary waterway as a catalyst for community revitalization and student empowerment. Evidence shows that first-generation college students are more committed to serving their communities post-graduation. By focusing on place-based, culturally relevant, and experiential learning, the Lab’s innovative educational programs serve as a model for community-responsive instruction that enhances learning outcomes for diverse student populations. Attendees will gain insights into program design principles and partnership development, along with future project plans aimed at furthering student and community empowerment.

Speakers

  • Vanessa Louis, University of Michigan

  • Melissa Duhaime, University of Michigan

This interactive workshop will help outreach professionals recognize the importance of self-care, equip them with practical stress management techniques, and empower them to create personalized self-care plans to prevent burnout in their high-impact roles.

Speakers

  • Tiffani Dunbar, Wayne State University (TRIO Veterans Upward Bound)

  • Yumeika Perry, Wayne State University (TRIO Veterans Upward Bound)

Session F

The Why I Belong@UM-Flint project focuses on the current and past identity narratives of students and their experiences with sense of belonging at the University of Michigan-Flint. It also involves an archival gap analysis to identify historical records for a sample of “identity groups” represented by the current study’s participants. Through insights generated from a survey, focus groups, and the archival gap analysis, we strive to tap into a broad spectrum of current and past student experiences and empower our major stakeholders to more intentionally and inclusively support student well-being and success in the future.

Speakers

  • Sapna Thwaite, University of Michigan-Flint
  • Mia Hobbins, University of Michigan-Flint

Brand New/First Year Outreach Professional: This presentation is geared towards new or relatively new outreach professionals

This session focuses on our ability to support our students to develop the healthy conflict resolution skills necessary to navigate post-secondary environments. Grounded in restorative justice, this session will engage participants in their consideration of what is necessary to break the norms of responding to and managing conflict in carceral and violent ways. We will use the dramatic arts as a fun and engaging tool to bring restorative approaches alive.

Speaker

  • Alaina Jackson, University of Michigan, School at Marygrove

This workshop will explore the significant benefits of collaborating with K-12 administrators and professionals in designing and executing university outreach programs. By sharing experiences from a successful summer camp for K-12 students, participants will learn how K-12 educators bring valuable tools, superb communication skills, and a wealth of knowledge that enhance outreach activities. The session will provide insights into the collaborative process, highlighting the importance of involving K-12 professionals at all stages of planning and implementation. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for fostering strong partnerships between higher education and K-12 institutions, ultimately enriching educational experiences for all participants.

Speakers

  • Yunus Zeytuncu, University of Michigan-Dearborn
  • Oguzhan Yildiz, University of Michigan-Flint

Representatives from U-M’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance will describe two mentorship programs hosted through SMTD’s Office of Engagement & Outreach as well as Admissions Office, walking through each program’s development and how they have become invaluable tools for pre-college students, as well as current students to connect with the local community. Both programs will then be further discussed through the perspective of SMTD’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

Speakers

  • Garrett Lefkowitz, University of Michigan
  • Corrie Bird, University of Michigan
  • Caitlin Taylor, University of Michigan

In an effort to begin addressing systemic barriers to education and to improve equity, diversity and inclusion in the practice of educational outreach, we must thoughtfully consider the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) framework. Join me as we work together to reflect and start to build a robust action plan framework that will ensure your organization executes holistic JEDI Change.

Speaker

  • Laura Saavedra, University of Michigan (GEAR UP)

Steering Committee

  • Barry Hall II, Ed.D, Grand Valley State
  • Biyanka Gallo, Michigan State
  • Blanca Echeverria, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Brenda Castro-Ortiz, U-M Ann Arbor
  • De’Janae Douglas, PhD, City of Dearborn
  • Doreen M., Odom College Prep Inter
  • Dulmini Barupala, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Eli Pfaltzgraff, PhD, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Eric Aiken, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Erika A Carr, Western Michigan
  • Genevieve Reside, Grand Valley State
  • Gina Peters, T2C Studio
  • Ivoree Griffin, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Jay Meeks, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Jessica Bilodeau, Michigan State
  • Kari Wilson, Bowling Green State
  • Kat Hauser, Michigan Tech
  • Katrina Johnson, Michigan State
  • Kim Lijana, U-M Ann Arbor
  • LaMar Thompson-Hightower, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Marissa Taylor, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Mark Jackson, Wayne State
  • Michael Neville, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Sandra Lopez, U-M Ann Arbor
  • Susan Sheth, Michigan State
  • Selena Cade, Grand Valley State
  • Shelby Powell, Grand Valley State
  • Sophia Estrada-Ferreira, Lansing Community
  • Tabatha Reynolds, U-M Ann Arbor

Our Sponsors

Sapphire Sponsor

Logo for The Skillman Foundation

Platinum Sponsor

Logo for Center for Education Outreach at University of Michigan

Gold Sponsor

Higher Education Sponsor

Logo of Grand Valley State University
Logo for Intend to Attend
Logo for Michigan Technological University