Starr Co. Students Attend National Conference

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By: Delicia Ramirez, Coordinator of STC’s Upward Bound Program

Two Upward Bound participants, Jassely Escobar and Eduardo Garza, attended the Council for Opportunity in Education’s National Student Leadership Congress. The event was held from June 5 through 10 at the American University in Washington, D.C.

The National Student Leadership Congress combines elements from model student leadership training activities. It emphasizes leadership through community service. The purpose of the conference is to establish a network of emerging leaders among the population served by TRIO programs. It strives to prepare students to become service-oriented leaders. Workshops and activities at the conference assist students in developing skills to better serve their schools, communities and the nation. Conference activities also enable Upward Bound and Talent Search students to better understand national issues affecting their futures. The event also promotes sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural and racial diversity

Participants experienced life on a college campus at American University, taking part in workshops involving decision making, problem solving and conflict resolution. Escobar and Garza participated in group projects dealing with the political process, coalition building and diversity. Students had sessions with policy makers and education leaders and also had the opportunity to meet with their respective members of Congress. Aside from the leadership activities, students visited some of the numerous historical and cultural sites in the Washington, D.C area.

Escobar and Garza are both rising seniors at Roma High School and Rio Grande City High School, respectively. They were chosen to attend the event based on their participation and attendance to Upward Bound classes and other sponsored activities. These two students earned the privilege to attend the prestigious conference at no cost to them or their parents.

Photo Caption: Jassely Escobar and Eduardo Garza site see in Washington, D.C.while at national conference for outstanding upward Bound Program students.