CSUSM Event Addresses Latino Male Shortage in Education

SAN MARCOS, CA, February 20, 2013 (Press-News.org) California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is hosting an educational leadership symposium next month to address the low attendance and graduation rates of young Latino men in college. The symposium will take place from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturday, March 9, at Mt. San Jacinto College, Menifee Campus.

The event, which is open to the public, is a collaborative effort between CSUSM and several community organizations, including Encuentros Leadership. Community leaders, educators and students interested in learning more about this important cause are encouraged to attend.

"Latino men face many challenges in the educational environment, and often the problems that we see manifest in college have taken root in high school or junior high," says Mike Schroder, Dean of Extended Learning and Associate Vice President of International Programs at CSUSM. "While this issue may have many root causes, one major contributing factor is the lack of successful role models. This symposium was created to address many of the issues facing these young men by engaging community leaders and promoting strong examples of educational success for young Latino men."

The overall goal of the symposium is to create a community that is engaged and ready to foster and promote Hispanic education, both during the one-day event and in the months and years beyond. The program includes breakfast, roundtable style workshops with prominent educational leaders and a keynote address by Dr. Al Mijares, Orange County Superintendent of Education. During the program, community leaders, educators and the public will work together to identify strategies, promote conversation and ongoing collaboration.

Tickets to the symposium cost $25 (including breakfast) for the general public and $15 for students with current ID. Space is limited and participants must register online to reserve a seat. The deadline for reservations is March 1, 2013. To register or learn more, visit www.csusm.edu/el/teachereducation/els.html or contact Nichol Roe at nroe@csusm.edu.

About CSUSM Extended Learning
As the academic outreach arm of Cal State San Marcos, Extended Learning is a leading provider of professional and continuing education in North San Diego and Southwest Riverside Counties. Offering degree programs, such as a Master of Social Work (coming Fall 2013), as well as both academic credit and noncredit professional enrichment courses, Extended Learning helps individuals and organizations achieve their educational and training goals. For more information please visit www.csusm.edu/el/.