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University Communications

First Hispanic Youth Symposium in Central Virginia to be held at the University of Richmond

July 14, 2008

More than 200 Hispanic high school students from greater Richmond, Petersburg, Virginia Beach and Harrisonburg have been selected for Central Virginia's first Hispanic Youth Symposium at the University of Richmond, July 16-19.

Students will attend workshops, a career fair, learn about college admission requirements and compete in art, talent and speech competitions. The symposium has been offered in Northern Virginia before, but this is the first year a location in Central Virginia was selected. In addition to UR and George Mason in Virginia, the symposium is held at colleges and universities in Arizona, California, Maryland, New Mexico and Washington, D.C.

The symposium was started four years ago to emphasize academic achievement, provide mentorship and encourage leadership development.

Hispanics accounted for 40 percent of the U.S. population growth between 1990 and 2000 and represents 13.3 percent of the total U.S. population--but one third of Hispanic students does not graduate from high school. For Hispanic high school graduates, only 53 percent pursue post-secondary education immediately following graduation and only 10 percent graduate from four-year colleges and universities, according to the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.

"The Hispanic population is a rapidly growing, economically viable force in our community," says Jorge Haddock, dean of University of Richmond's Robins School of Business. "Hispanic students are eager for the opportunity to go to college, and this symposium is an essential step in reaching out to them." Haddock will participate in "Hispanic Heroes," a workshop at the symposium to connect students with leaders in the community.

The opening ceremony for Richmond's four-day event will include a welcome from UR president Edward L. Ayers, a videotaped message from Virginia governor Tim Kaine and an address by Virginia first lady Anne Holton. The program will conclude with an awards and recognition program and graduation on July 19.