Empowering Minds Conference brings ESPN analyst Steven A. Smith to SU for series of events for area high school sophomores, juniors

Empowering Minds Conference brings ESPN analyst Steven A. Smith to SU for series of events for area high school sophomores, juniorsMarch 20, 2007Carol K. Masiclatclkim@syr.edu

Syracuse University’s Empowering Minds Movement student organization will host its second annual Empowering Minds Conference (EMC), Friday, March 30, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center. Open exclusively to high school sophomores and juniors in the Syracuse City School District, the EMC is an opportunity for high school students to visit the SU campus and experience the life of a college student. Television personality Steven A. Smith will deliver the keynote address to the participating students.

“I believe this is a unique opportunity for high school students,” says Juanita Perez Williams, associate dean of students. “This isn’t staff or faculty attempting to enlighten youth. This is young, motivated college students who are knowledgeable, inclusive and well-versed in the area of inspirational leadership. The initiative exemplifies how scholarship put into action benefits the individual as well as the community.”

The Empowering Minds Movement is a group of student leaders at SU whose members seek to engage Syracuse-area youths with the intellectual challenges and opportunities of a college education. The organization was founded by SU students, who are responsible for planning and executing the annual conference.

Through workshops run by SU student organizations, the high school students who participate in EMC will learn to marshal the confidence and skills necessary to successfully pursue academic and career success and strengthen the Syracuse community. The workshops are divided into four categories: leadership and civic engagement; discrimination and society; education and beyond; and health and wellness.

Smith, a studio analyst for ESPN, New York City sports radio personality and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist, will deliver the keynote speech at the EMC opening ceremony and will be on hand for a meet-and-greet session with students during lunch.

Local organizations will also take part in the event, including Vera House and Catholic Charities, in collaboration with the SU Department of Athletics’ Kids Win program. SU student performance organizations will perform at the end of the conference, displaying the diversity of talents and opportunities offered in a college environment.

Parents interested in the EMC should contact their local high schools for registration and sign-up information. For more information, contact jpwillia@syr.edu.