YOUNG MEN OF COLOR CONFERENCE
On October 29, 2016, The Institute for Student Empowerment, in association with Hip-Hope Inc., and Drake University will present our 1st Annual Des Moines Young Men of Color Conference. The conference will be held on the campus of Drake University. The theme of this year’s conference is “I Rise!”
Our young men of color are underperforming in virtually every category academically. Coupled with the absence of positive adult male role models and negative environmental challenges, the plight of these disproportionately affected youth is questionable, at best. The conference will act as a beacon of hope and provide the attendees with dynamic guest speakers, breakout sessions, and positive networking opportunities. For many of the young men it will be their first opportunity to visit and tour a college campus. Drake University has graciously committed to host the conference, thus enabling us to fulfill one of the conference objectives, which is to inspire our young men to believe in their ability to attend college.