Conference to help parents and students plan path to college

Eric Leake

Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 | 10:55 a.m.

College can be a strange and difficult place for students just out of high school. A conference at the Cox Pavilion Saturday aims to ease that transition.

About 1,000 students from area junior high and high schools are expected to attend the "Impact: Youth Success Conference," sponsored by UNLV and the Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach. Kristi Rodriguez, interim director of undergraduate recruitment at UNLV, said the conference's main goal is to get kids thinking about college.

"It's definitely important for them to get the information early and realize that, even though they're not going to college tomorrow, they will be going there one day and they need to prepare for that," Rodriguez said.

Conference sessions will address how to get into college and plan for a career. Classes will also be offered for parents on how to be more involved in their child's education.

There will be keynote speakers, a scholarship award ceremony and entertainment hosted by radio disc jockey Mike P. "The Comedian."

The conference, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free. Pre-registration is encouraged. To register, visit the Web site at unlv.edu/studentserv/impact.