FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2015
Danielle McNamara
(510) 987-0230
Press Release
California’s future workforce leaders will gather in Sacramento during the 10th annual Student Leadership Forum. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson will recognize 90 students attending the forum at the Embassy Suites on May 12.
Students from the academic preparation programs Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP), Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) and the Puente Project will engage in leadership training and meetings with state legislators during the event. The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) Department of Diversity and Engagement sponsors the forum and administers EAOP, MESA and Puente.
Senator Holly Mitchell, Assemblyman Jose Medina and UCOP Vice Provost and Chief Outreach Officer Yvette Gullatt will also address students during the conference.
The two-day event provides leadership workshops for students with top government relations professionals, team building and an evening ceremony with legislators on May 12. Students then put their training to use May 13 during scheduled visits with legislators at the State Capitol.
EAOP, MESA and Puente serve more than 70,000 middle school, high school, community college and university level students across California who are from underrepresented populations, from low-performing schools and/or first generation college students.
About EAOP EAOP is the University of California’s largest academic preparation program. EAOP helps students at under-served schools prepare for college and the work force, complete all UC and California State University (CSU) admissions requirements, and apply for college and financial aid. EAOP also guides families by showing them how to navigate complex college preparation, college application, and financial aid processes.
About MESA MESA is a nationally-recognized program that has helped students succeed and graduate with science, technology, engineering and math degrees. MESA provides academic support, enrichment and STEM industry involvement to more than 18,000 middle and high school students and more than 7,800 community college and university students in California each year.
About Puente The PUENTE Project is a national award-winning program that for more than 30 years has improved the college-going rate of tens of thousands of California’s educationally underrepresented students. Its mission is to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged students who enroll in four-year institutions, earn college degrees and return to the community as mentors and leaders to future generations.