November 3, 2022

Chris de Hoyos 

HACU partners with San Diego State University to host a Youth Leadership Development Forum in San Diego

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, in partnership with San Diego State University in San Diego, hosted a Students in STEM Youth Leadership Development Forum sponsored by the GM Foundation on Oct. 7, 2022. The YLDF brought together more than 300 students from San Diego and neighboring counties to San Diego State University’s Conrad Prebys Student Union.

Middle and high school students participated in activities with varying levels of exposure to STEM fields. The YLDF also provided students an opportunity to learn about academic and career pathways in these areas. Students and staff were welcomed by HACU Senior Vice President for Programs & Operations Lisa Alcorta and San Diego State University Provost and Senior Vice President Salvador Hector Ochoa.

The one-day Forum was focused on empowering local youth and celebrating education and career opportunities in STEM. One of the main goals was to promote curiosity and awareness of the STEM field and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM. With the support of SDSU students, faculty, and staff, students explored pathways in STEM through hands-on experiences in a welcoming and inviting environment. The event also provided an overview of university navigation to prepare students for the college experience.

Students from the following schools were in attendance:

  • Hoover High School
  • Eastlake Middle School
  • Eastlake High School
  • Bayfront Charter School
  • Rancho Del Rey Middle School
  • EJE Academics

The YLDF is a pre-conference event of HACU’s Annual Conference hosted in partnership with a local institution.