The first year will be a day long conference in 4 major cities, where the Latino student population is growing; New York-New Jersey, Miami, Texas and Chicago. This event will occur quarterly. Youth from throughout these cities will be able to participate in this top leadership event and have an opportunity to speak to corporations on what needs to be done in order for them to work with them. The youth will attend powerful 1 Hr seminars that will enhance leadership skills, academic preparedness, Technological trends, self-esteem, cultural awareness as well as a closer understanding of finances.

Students will have a unique opportunity to speak with HR professionals in order to develop the edge that will benefit them on the upcoming internships, mentoring programs and job opportunities. This event will enable personal interaction with these HR professionals as e-mentors throughout the year. Students will also be presented with valuable information about technology colleges and technology professional careers. A mentor job fair will be held just for the graduating class with top companies from around the country.

They will leave with valuable information and tools that they can begin using when they return to class and start to incorporate some of the ideas they learned into practice. Most importantly, the students will leave with new friendships from throughout the state and start to develop their network. The conference is provided at NO COST to the participants or their families. To be eligible to apply for the pilot at NY times, they must be enrolled in a NY-NJ high school, college or technology trade school, at the start of the current academic school year and currently be in the 11th or 12th grade or higher. They should be from Hispanic decent (Not necessary) with an interest in mathematics, science and technology.

As our youth continue to grow throughout their academic careers many have not been taught the simple soft skills necessary to get ahead in life.
We believe by mentoring, and giving these skills to our youth, we can empower them to look at opportunities in Math Science and technology as they have never seen them before. This leadership event for Latino youth provides a unique opportunity to spend a day in dialogue with icons they only see on TV and experts surrounding topics of such relevance as leadership development, higher education, cultural awareness, technology trends and challenges facing today's youth.

Additionally, sessions will be provided for parents on navigating the U.S. educational system, and for teachers on cultural awareness and skills. This experience will further the participant experience with more immediate real world opportunities. We must separate the real from the perceived educational barriers. LISTA Get the Edge program will do just that.

For more information call 347 632 4542 or email info@a-lista.org