HACU partners with MSU Denver to host Youth Leadership Development Forum

November 6, 2024

HACU partners with MSU Denver to host Youth Leadership Development Forum

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, in partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver in Colorado, hosted a Students in STEM Youth Leadership Development Forum on Nov. 6, 2024. The YLDF brought together 235 students from Denver and neighboring counties to MSU Denver's Tivoli Student Union Turnhalle.

The YLDF is offered as post-conference event of HACU's Annual Conference. Middle and high school students participated in activities with varying levels of exposure to STEM fields. The YLDF also provided students an opportunity to learn about academic and career pathways in these areas. Students and staff were welcomed by HACU and MSU Denver staff.

The one-day Forum was focused on empowering local youth and celebrating education and career opportunities in STEM. With the support of MSU Denver students, faculty, and staff, students explored pathways in STEM through hands-on experiences in a welcoming and inviting environment. The event also provided a leadership and career development session panel featuring Tepeyac Community Health Center CEO and founder Jim Garcia, MSU Denver Health Institute Associate Director Mira Morton Luna, and HCL Engineering and Surveying President and Director of Surveying and Mapping Julian Sisneros.