Posted 03/16/2000
Contact: Andrew Svec, 218-281-8380
UMC To Host Youth Career Conference June 18-23
Career-minded youth in grades 9 and 10 are invited to attend the Youth Career Conference on June 18-23, 2000. This conference, hosted by the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC), and co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota Extension Service, is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore career options in agricultural, food and environmental fields. The goal is to provide students a dynamic learning experience where they can tour businesses and organizations to get an up-close view of people working in these industries. Students also explore their own interests and talents and learn business techniques for their future careers.
In its third year, the conference combines the best events of previous years for an even more active learning experience this summer. During this week, speakers will help students explore options, tours of local businesses will be taken, and hands-on activities will provide various career-centered insights and opportunities to research the Internet. But it isn’t all serious; students can also expect to have fun!
Students will learn to connect with and work with a mentor during this conference, and this has proven to be a very exciting aspect of the program for students. Several participants from previous conferences are still in touch with their mentors. One participant has visited her mentor in New Orleans; her mentor is a zoo veterinarian. Another participant, Liz Collins, writes: “…my mentor and I have done a lot together over the years. I want you to know that this program was a huge help to me and I think it should continue to be offered each summer…Your work really has paid off!”
Participants will reside at two locations during the week: Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls and the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
Application deadline is April 15. Numbers are limited, so interested students are encouraged to apply early. The cost is $100, which covers lodging, meals, conference materials, tours, and computer use. This conference qualifies for support from the Summer Scholarships for Academic Enrichment program. Disability accommodations are available upon request.
For more information, contact your school counselor or extension educator, or visit our the conference website at http://www.umcrookston.edu/ag/ycc. Interested individuals may also contact Jane Sims, c/o Youth Career Conference, 109 Hill Hall, 2900 University Avenue, University of Minnesota, Crookston, Crookston, MN 56716 (phone 800-862-6466, ext. 8101) for more information.