Friday, August 8th – 10:40 – 11:30 AM
College Bound (K-12) Track
- Preparing College Students to Mentor | WCP 3.112
- [First-generation] Mentorship Initiative of South Texas-UT San Antonio | WCP 2.302
- Be a Game Changer: A-Z College Ready and College Bound | WCP 1.106
College & University Track
- Treasure Hunter: Scholarship Hunting in a Changing World | WCP 3.106
- Authentic Voices: Cultural Narratives and Collective Empowerment | WCP 1.118
Professional Track
- Lead Together: Co-creating Leadership with Students, Not for Them | RLP 1.302C
- Write That S**t Down: A Real Talk Workshop for Students Leaders | RLP 1.302B
- Leveling the Field:Expanding College Access Through Athletics | RLP 1.302E
College Bound (K-12) Track
Preparing College Students to Mentor | Mr. Clint LaFuente | UT-Austin | WCP 3.112
Pillars Addressed: Fellowship
This session focuses on preparing college students to mentor middle and high school students by emphasizing the importance of fellowship development rooted in shared goals and programmatic mission. Participants will engage with peer-reviewed research to inform and refine their mentoring practices, encouraging them to unlearn old assumptions and adopt critical, updated perspectives on youth mentorship.
[First-generation] Mentorship Initiative of South Texas-UT San Antonio | Mr. Xavier Loredo, Dr. Langston Clark, & Dr. Gilberto Lara | University of Texas at San Antonio | WCP 2.302
Pillars Addressed: Fellowship, Identity, College & Career Readiness
The Minority Male Educator Mentoring Initiative of South Texas (MMEMIST) at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Academy for Teacher Excellence Research Center aims to increase the number of teachers prepared to serve student populations. By focusing on early recruitment, ongoing professional development, and clear career pathways, MMEMIST seeks to diversify representation in schools, fostering effective educators. The initiative’s mission is carried out through targeted goals supporting these efforts.
Be a Game Changer: A-Z College Ready and College Bound | Dr. Linda Vargas-Lew, Mr. Zachary Lozano, & Ms. Marisa Zepeda | Texas Association for College Admission Counseling | WCP 1.106
Pillars Addressed: College & Career Readiness
Learn how to become a “Game Changer” by creating your personalized college-ready and college-bound pathway. Expert panelists will guide you through the entire college application and financial aid process, providing valuable resources and strategies from admissions to campus visits and showcasing academic readiness. You’ll leave equipped with a comprehensive toolkit to help secure your postsecondary future.
College & University Track
Treasure Hunter: Scholarship Hunting in a Changing World | Mr. Allen Brown-Zubillaga | University of Texas at San Antonio | WCP 3.106
Pillars Addressed: College & Career Readiness
Each year, nearly $100 million in scholarships and $2 billion in student grants go unclaimed, often due to a lack of applicants. Allen Brown-Zubillaga, a decorated scholar and recent honors graduate, has helped students secure over $3 million in funding in just three years. In this presentation, you’ll learn how to find, secure, and organize financial aid, plan and finance your goals, manage your time effectively, and build fearless determination.
Authentic Voices: Cultural Narratives and Collective Empowerment | Mr. Gabriel Rodriguez Lemus, Jr. | UT-Austin | WCP 1.118
Pillars Addressed: Identity
This session provides a supportive space to build community, share experiences, and engage in advocacy amid ongoing legislative challenges. Guided by expert recommendations, the caucus fosters open critical discussions about intersectional identities, while connecting participants with campus and community resources. The goal is to create a lasting, statewide brotherhood that extends support beyond the conference.
Professionals Track
Lead Together: Co-creating Leadership with Students, Not for Them | Mr. Jorge Segovia, Ms. Daniela Garcia Cruz, & Ms. Genesis Duarte | Upward Bound – East Austin | RLP 1.302C
In this interactive workshop, educators, administrators, and students collaborate to reimagine leadership development as a shared, student-centered practice. Participants will explore equity-focused frameworks and work together to create actionable strategies that amplify student voice and agency, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes.
Write That S**t Down: A Real Talk Workshop for Student Leaders | Mr. Cesar Quezada & Dr. Fred Fuentes | Dallas College & East Texas A&M University | RLP 1.302B
Inspired by the energy of the Our Last 30 podcast and an upcoming workbook, this interactive session invites student leaders to reflect, write, and share their truths. Addressing challenges like imposter syndrome, burnout, and leadership from marginalized perspectives, the workshop combines storytelling, writing prompts, and community building to empower participants. Attendees will leave with a mini toolkit, guiding prompts, and new connections to changemakers across Texas.
Leveling the Field: Expanding College Access Through Athletics | Dr. Guillermo Ortega | Texas Tech University | RLP 1.302E
This research presentation will examine the barriers some students encounter on their journey into college athletics. It will highlight how school structures and resources can limit athletic recruitment and scholarship opportunities. The session will also explore strategies and programs that aim to create supportive pathways for student-athletes to access and succeed in higher education.
