About the Conference

About the Conference 

Our Mission Statement

The Pre-College and Youth Outreach Conference strives to serve as the premier resource for higher education pre-college professionals and college access practitioners to learn, connect, and network with colleagues across the state and beyond. Our work increases college aspirations, readiness, enrollment, and graduation for all students—especially for K-12 students underrepresented in higher education— to change life trajectories, strengthen the workforce, and enhance communities. The conference highlights the statewide work of the public colleges and universities and the work of the conference attendees. It provides a space to learn from each other and unites our efforts to exponentially increase the college success of youth.

A Message From the Conference Host Institution - GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
On behalf of Grand Valley State University, I am pleased to welcome you to the 14th annual Pre-College Youth Outreach Conference at our beautiful Pew Campus located in Grand Rapids, MI. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to creating a vision for success throughout the educational pipeline, from K-12 to higher education and beyond.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our many sponsors for their support and partnership. Your generosity has enhanced this learning experience.
In addition, I extend a special thanks to the conference planning core team and committee for helping to vision and bring to fruition this amazing experience being held for the first time in Grand Rapids. Your hard work allows all of us to be here together as we work to make a meaningful impact on our youth.

Thank you for choosing to show up to participate in courageous conversations, and to walk alongside leaders, educators, community members, and change agents. When you return home, I ask that you find ways to implement new ideas learned throughout the conference. When we come together that’s when change starts to happen.

Sincerely,
Barry Hall II (Dr. B), Ed.D.
Assistant Director for Charter Through College – Grand Valley State University

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The State of Michigan occupies the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabek – Three Fires Confederacy, the Odawa (Ottawa), Ojibwe (Chippewa), and Bode’wadmi (Potawatomi). We recognize historic Indigenous communities in Michigan and those who were forcibly removed from their homelands. We further recognize the ongoing relationship of dependence upon, and respect for, all living beings of earth, sky, and water. In offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty, history, and experiences.

 

2022 Steering Committee

This conference was organized and planned by 11 institutions including
Bowling Green State University, Calvin University, College Prep International, College for Creative Studies, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Valley State University, Lansing Community College, Michigan State University,
Saginaw Valley State University, and University of Michigan.

We are so grateful for the following members of these institutions and our community who planned today’s conference.

  • Emmanuel Armstrong, Grand Rapids Public Schools
  • Jessica Bilodeau, Michigan State University
  • Josh Brandsen, Grand Valley State University
  • Zach Constan, Michigan State University
  • George Copeland, Saginaw Valley State University
  • Barry Hall II, Grand Valley State University
  • Biyanka Gallo, Michigan State University
  • Bonnie Jaracz, Grand Valley State University
  • Kate Johnson, Michigan State University
  • Sarah Keranen-Lopez, Grand Valley State University
  • Kim Lijana, University of Michigan
  • Leah Melichar, K-12 Operations, Lansing Community College
  • Doreen M. Odom, College Prep International
  • Daniel Ready, Eastern Michigan University
  • Mae Rickey, Grand Valley State University
  • Chelsea Ridge, Grand Valley State University
  • Shelby Powell, Grand Valley State University
  • Susan Sheth, Michigan State University
  • Bobby Springer, Grand Valley State University
  • Jane Stewart, College for Creative Studies
  • Johanna Swanson, Calvin University
  • Marissa Taylor, University of Michigan
  • Kari Wilson, Bowling Green State University
Serving on the PCC Steering Committee is one of my favorite parts of working for the U-M Center for Educational Outreach. State-wide and region-wide work is true collaboration and I believe that it’s through this sharing of knowledge and expertise is how we make exponential change for our students! Marissa N. Taylor, MSI - University of Michigan

 

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