Thursday, August 6, 2026 – 3:00-3:50 PM
Middle School Track Sessions
- From Invisible to Unstoppable: Harnessing Your Story to Close the Distance Between Struggle and Dream | RLP 1.302B
- Yo Soy Erudito/a: Seeing Yourself as a Scholar | RLP 1.302C
- Project FAST Families: Families Aspiring to Succeed Together | RLP 1.302E
College Bound Track
- Using Ai to Find Your Perfect Fit| WCP 3.106
- The Real Cost of College (and How to Make It Affordable)| WCP 3.112
- Turning Roadblocks into Stepping Stones: Transforming Challenges into Success | WCP 3.116
College Track
- Meet inside the WCP 1.402 (Auditorium)
From Invisible to Unstoppable: Harnessing Your Story to Close the Distance Between Struggle and Dream
Location: RLP 1.302B
Presenter(s):
Mr. Kim Heng, Leveled Ground
Description: The heart of the session is a structured reflection exercise: students name the real challenges they carry today — academically, socially, at home — and place them alongside the dreams they haven’t said out loud yet.
Pillar(s): Fellowship; Identity; Leadership; College & Career Readiness
Yo Soy Erudito/a: Seeing Yourself as a Scholar
Location: RLP 1.302C
Presenter(s):
Ms. Sandra Morrow, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Jose Saldivar, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Description: What if you started seeing yourself as more than just a student trying to pass classes? What if you saw yourself as a scholar—someone with ideas, purpose, and the power to shape their own future? This workshop is all about helping you make that shift. Start owning your journey!
Pillar(s): Identity
Project FAST Families: Families Aspiring to Succeed Together
Location: RLP 1.302E
Presenter(s):
Mr. Omar Sanchez, Ohio State University
Description: This session highlights FAST Families, a trauma-informed, family-centered initiative that strengthens parent-child relationships through mentorship, leadership development, wellness, and community engagement. Participants will explore the Project FAST MEN and FAST WOMEN intervention model, community-based 5K events, and evaluation strategies that promote resilient families and healthier communities.
Pillar(s): Health & Wellness
Location: WCP 3.106
Presenter(s):
Mr. Javier Gonzalez, Western Governors University
Description: This session empowers students to use AI tools for personalized college searches, considering acceptance rates, costs, programs, financial aid, and test requirements. Helping them build a tailored list of idea colleges.
Pillar(s): College & Career Readiness
The Real Cost of College (and How to Make It Affordable)
Presenter(s):
Dr. Karissa Grano, University of Texas at Austin
Description: Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but this session will help you build a realistic plan. Learn about grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study; compare college costs and financial aid options; and create a personalized strategy to make college more affordable and achievable.
Pillar(s): College & Career Readiness
Turning Roadblocks into Stepping Stones: Transforming Challenges into Success
Location: WCP 3.116
Presenter(s):
Mr. Ivan Iniguez, El Paso Community College
Mr. Michael Silva, El Paso Community College
Dr. Miguel Vasquez, El Paso Community College
Mr. Hector Riveroll, El Paso Community College
Description: Obstacles are not barriers to success; they are essential parts of the process. Learn how to shift your mindset and approach challenges as opportunities to grow stronger and more capable. Explore the benefits of perseverance, present-focused decision-making, and how overcoming adversity can make the path forward purposeful and rewarding.
Pillar(s): Leadership; College & Career Readiness
