OGDEN -- Minority students from Ogden, Davis and Weber school districts will converge on Weber State University for the 17th annual Multicultural Youth Conference.
Organizers of the conference, which is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, hope to attract about 400 high school juniors to give them information about financial aid, concurrent enrollment and services for minority students.
"All that will prepare them so they are ready when they reach the university," organizer Monica Rodriguez said.
It is important for black, Native American, Pacific Islander and Latino high school students to be aware of leadership opportunities and the benefits of taking challenging classes in high school, such as honors and Advanced Placement.
To get the kids prepared for college, Rodriguez said, the conference has invited high school juniors.
In previous years the conference brought in high school seniors.
Weber State University's Hispanic Area Council Vice President Viviana Felix said she attended the conference when she was in high school.
"Back then, the theme was 'Transform Your Future,' which I think I did embrace," Felix said. "I came to college and I am transforming myself."
Felix said she came from a rough background, but she said she learned that being a minority without a college education would leave her working at a fast-food restaurant or in a sweatshop.
She received an invitation to speak at a workshop and will be available to speak with students at a booth.
Rodriguez said it is important for the high school students to meet and hear from people like Felix.
"Perhaps the kids will say, 'Wow, how did you do that? How did you get into college?'" Rodriguez said.
Students who wish to participate should contact their school counselor to register.
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