October 15, 2014

What:                                     11^th Annual Encuentros STEM Career Exploration and Education Conference

When:                                    Saturday, October 25, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where:                                  Palomar College, San Marcos campus

1140 West Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069

Why:                                      To improve educational outcomes among Latino boys. According to a statement from the 2014 Encuentros Leadership Board, “Latino male students continue to face persistent obstacles in our public schools. Young Latino males are a national asset which must be developed to the fullest capacity to ensure we are maximizing our area’s potential social/human capital”.

Who:                                      Palomar College will host 400 North San Diego County Latino boys at this year’s event. NBC Newscaster Artie Ojeda will be the Master of Ceremonies. The Keynote Speaker will be Xavier “The X-Man”, well-known radio personality, currently on air at both Magic 92.5 and 105.1 K-OCEAN radio stations. Also scheduled to speak are Robert P. Deegan, Palomar College Superintendent/President; Jose Fragozo, Encuentros Leadership Board Chairperson; Roberto Rivas, Founder and CEO, Encuentros Leadership.

Event Details:                        In addition to the opening ceremony presentations, the event will consist of continental breakfast and lunch, a diverse offering of education and career workshops, including sessions for parents of the attendees.

Conference attendees will hear motivational, inspirational and informative lectures representing a variety of career fields, receive educational information from local colleges, and participate in one-on-one and small group sessions led by prominent Latino males. Twenty workshops will focus on careers, such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), Education, Health, Law/Government, Business/Trades and Entertainment/Arts.

A career expo will take place during lunch. Exhibitors will showcase their products or services, as well as share information regarding current careers in STEM fields. Companies expected to participate include Northrop Grumman Corporation; General Atomics Salk Institute, FIT Business Finance; Harris & Associates, Compass Rose GIS, Palomar College, UCSD, CSUSM and MiraCosta College.

Event Contact:                      Connie Rodriguez, Palomar College 760-744-1150, Ext. 2436; crodriguez@palomar.du

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 Media Contacts:

Laura Gropen, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150, Ext 2152
Melinda Finn, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150, Ext. 2365