2024 Black Student Success Summit Schedule
8:30 - 9:30 am: Registration & Breakfast - Ballroom
9:30 - 9:45 am: Opening Events - Ballroom
Inspiration
Welcome
Black National Anthem
PSU Welcome
Words from the Founder
Appreciations
9:55 - 11:35 am: Morning Workshops
Each workshop repeats in two sessions:
Session 1 - 9:55am - 10:40am
Session 2 - 10:50am - 11:35am
HBCU Admission & Experience Room 294
HBCU admissions representatives
Meet with HBCU admission counselors from Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M, Jarvis Christian College, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T University, and Prairie View University to ask questions about admissions, financial aid and college life. This panel will discuss what HBCUs are looking for within the application process and all you'll need to prepare! It will also cover why the HBCU experience is important and what you can expect on an HBCU campus!
Student Services Room 296
Quinn Peoples
Learn about campus resources designed to support students by providing academic advising, mentoring, help with setting academic goals, and referrals to campus and community resources. In this workshop you will hear from students who will share their experiences in these types of programs at various universities.
Basic Financial Aid Overview & Informational Session Room 298
Marvin Sadler & Matt Sagayaga (PCC)
This workshop is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the financial aid process. We'll break down the different types of aid available, from grants and scholarships to loans and work-study programs. Presenters will provide an overview of Financial Aid and discuss the basics of applying with the FAFSA application.
Scholarship Writing Room 327
Marshawna Williams (Black United Fund of Oregon), Portland State University Staff
This workshop is for you if you are a student planning to attend college and looking for free money to help with your education. Come learn how to improve your writing skills and gain confidence in your voice. Walk away with new information and a strong foundation for writing powerful scholarship essays and valuable tips and strategies for scholarship research and application. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your scholarship potential and invest in your future!
Why Black Studies Room 328
Ethan Johnson, Layla Koulibali, Chase Bedford and Michaela Loggins
Black Studies is a dynamic field that offers a valuable perspective to all students, regardless of their background. So, if you're interested in learning more about Black history and culture, developing critical thinking skills, or simply becoming a more informed citizen, attend this session to hear from our panelists why Black Studies is important to them and to share their experiences in Black Studies courses.
Black History 101 - Mobile Museum The Vanport Room
Professor Griff
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum is a renowned repository comprising over 10,000 original artifacts, spanning from the painful era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the vibrant culture of hip hop.
I Am A Medical Clinician - There are many ways to become a medical professional, hear what may be the right path for you Room 329
Devlynne Ondusko, MD; Samuel Rogers, PA; Dr. Donn Spight, Professor of Surgery, Division of Bariatric Surgery, School of Medicine
Sponsored by the OHSU Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Blacks made up just 8.4% of new entrants to U.S. medical schools. It was also reported that fewer blacks applied to and enrolled in medical school in 2014 than in 1978. It is essential that students pursue careers as physicians, and this workshop will talk about how to best prepare for a career in medicine. You will hear how preparing in high school and college prepared our panelist to complete their studies successfully. Hear what life is like as a physician assistant, medical student, as a resident, and navigating the world as a Black doctor. This is a rewarding profession, and you can make a difference in the field of medicine.
Portland State Admissions Workshop Room 333
Portland State Admissions Staff
Students are invited to apply to Portland State University without the application fee during our upcoming event. Our admissions representatives will be available to guide you through the application process and discuss the next steps toward enrolling at Portland State.
FOR PARENTS:
Empowering Your Child's Success: A Guide for Parents Room 323
Ni’Cole Sims
How can parents set up a smooth transition from high school to college? What does it look like to further equip students with the techniques, tools, and skills related to college readiness and preparation? How can you encourage and further develop students' self advocacy and independence? This workshop will support parents in understanding how to empower students with building good habits, capitalizing on opportunities, and seeking meaningful experiences while in college. Participants will learn more about the differences between the parent role in high school vs. college while working together to uncover ways to redefine parental support. Participants will hear more about the Federal Education Records Privacy Act (FERPA), Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and college resources. Bring your own ideas to share with the group, we all learn from one another.
11:45 - 12:45 pm: Lunch & Entertainment
Lunch Ballroom
Reflections Room 338
In conjunction with National Poetry Month, we invite you to write an original reflection piece on what the BSSS means to you or anything from it that has resonated with you in the form of a short poem, spoken word, free verse, or rap/song lyric and share during the close out session of the day for a chance at cash/raffle prizes. You can do this ahead of time or utilize the quiet room that will be accessible throughout the day for this purpose as well as completing surveys. Let your brilliant & creative voice be heard!
Black History 101 - Mobile Museum Vanport Room
BEAM Brighter: Youth Small Business Alley 3rd Floor
BSU Networking Session Pan-African Room
12:45 - 1:20 pm: College & Career Fair - Atrium
Clark Atlanta University
Prairie View A&M
North Carolina A&T
Florida A&M University
Jarvis Christian College
Morehouse College
National Society of Black Engineers
Black United Fund of Oregon
MicroEnterprise Services of Oregon
Blueprint Foundation
National Association of Minority Contractors - Oregon
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
City of Roses Recycling
Portland Public Schools
Portland State University
Black Educational Achievement Movement
University of Oregon, SAIL
Portland Community College
National Pan-Hellenic Council
Coalition of Black Men
Oregon Institute of Technology
Journalistic Learning Initiative
Portland General Electric
University of Western States
Bonneville Power Administration
Oregon Health & Science University
Genentech
Portland Parks & Recreation
Mentor$chip
Portland Water Bureau
Warner Pacific University
Urban League
Constructing Hope
Portland NAACP
Oregon Housing & Community Services
Oregon Department of Transportation
Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators
1:25 - 3:05 pm: Career Spotlights
Each Career Spotlight repeats in two sessions:
Session 3 - 1:25pm - 2:10pm
Session 4 - 2:20pm - 3:05pm
Black Entrepreneurship Room 294
Ambrosia Johnson from The Lamb Boutique, Nicole Rose from Ella Dean Hair Care, David Jefferson from Stackin Kickz, Dijenaire Crijuan from DC Ringz, Tralice Lewis from Callie's Custom Hat Wigs
MESO will host a panel of Black Entrepreneurs who will share about their path to owning a business. There will be time for a Q and A session, as well as resources and information for anyone who is interested in learning about starting their own business!
Black Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Room 296
Kayin Talton Davis, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
While being some of the best innovators in the world, Black women are vastly underrepresented in the STEAM fields. Come talk to women who are among the 2% of Black women working in STEM and listen to some of the experiences they've had throughout their paths to their current professions. We'll discuss pathways and programs, negotiating academics while in a new world, the difference representation can make, how to manage at PWIs/HBCUs, amongst other topics.
We Do That! Room 298
Dr. Ame Lambert, Tong Zhang, Curtis Bullock, LA Walker, Mike Wilson & David Jefferson
Whatever you think you want to do, there are minoritized people who do it. Come hear from leaders from a variety of high paying, impactful careers from engineering to business to learn what their path to their roles were and what their jobs are like. It is hard to be what you can't see, so come see greatness and unleash the greatness in you!
Building Futures: Navigating Career Paths in Construction Room 327
Nate McCoy, Andrew Collas, Issis Harris & Jasmine Ramirez
Are you curious about construction and the building trades but don’t know where to begin? Are you someone who learns best by using your hands, and are you interested in learning how to turn that into a career that offers growth and stability? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this workshop is for you! Join us for an inspiring info session where you'll have the opportunity to meet Black men and women who are trailblazing successful careers in the building trades. This diverse panel will share their journeys and provide insight into topics ranging from driving big rigs, leading construction projects, and performing electrical installation to owning thriving businesses.
Black History 101 - Mobile Museum Room 338
Professor Griff
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum is a renowned repository comprising over 10,000 original artifacts, spanning from the painful era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the vibrant culture of hip hop.
Medical Student Panel Room 329
Mako Gedi, Nyambura Mwathi, Malik Seals, Lola Sosanya, Mattie Watts, Asia Wooten
Sponsorship by the OHSU Center for Diversity and Inclusion and School of Medicine
The students of SNMA will discuss our pathways to medicine. We all come from different backgrounds and have different life experience; so, each story is different with the same end point of becoming a doctor and practicing medicine. The Black community in medicine is small but mighty and we hope to encourage students to continue pursuing their journey to medicine.
Oregon Housing Community Services Room 328
Keeble Giscombe & Magda Bejarano
The Homeownership Division seeks to engage and assist low- to moderate-income Oregonians to attain and sustain homeownership. The Division’s four sections- Homeownership Programs, Manufactured & Marina Communities, Homeowner Assistance, and Homeownership Lending - expand access to affordable homeownership through competitive market rate mortgages, down payment assistance, pre-purchase education, and counseling. The programs also spur homeowner retention through education, foreclosure counseling, access to mediation, funding for health and safety repairs, and resources specific to manufactured housing.
Blacks in Academia: Knowing the “Game” and Maintaining Mental Wellness Room 333
Avery Waklatsi, Desiree DuBoise, Kristina Tucker
The aim of this workshop is to educate students on leveraging undergraduate experiences for their benefit, becoming strong PhD candidates, and understanding their importance in higher education systems. Learning from individuals who exemplify Black excellence and share their stories can provide invaluable insights and inspiration. Their accomplishments demonstrate resilience, determination, and the significance of diversity, representation, and inclusion in fostering innovation and advancement.
FOR PARENTS:
Advocating for Your Student in Schools and in the Community Room 323
Desiree Williams-Rajee
The Beaverton Black Parent Union is a volunteer-led collective of families with Black children organized to create community, advocate for culturally relevant resources, and ultimately support the success and well-being of our families. BBPU aims to develop the needed community organizing infrastructure to address Black families' isolation and collectively advocate for change within schools and the district. The goals of BBPU are: to eliminate barriers to success and learning, increase Black educators and staff, promote health and wellness. Come to learn how they started and where they are headed.
