The sixth annual NAACP State Youth Summit will gather young adults from across the state on Ball State's campus this weekend for an informative two-day event about college and its importance.
"Some have never been on a college campus and it exposes them to a whole new world that you can do anything in life," Maureen Duncan, state youth adviser, said. "It's a great way to network and meet people from around the state."
The conference includes many activities for youth including a campus tour, bowling at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center and series of college-related information sessions. The several National Association for the Advancement of Colored People branches in Indiana communities are the driving force for getting youth involved.
Duncan said she hopes the young adults will realize they can go to college no matter their background.
"A lot of them think they can't attend college because they can't afford it or don't know how to look for scholarships," she said.
Kaylyn Gyden, president of the Ball State NAACP chapter, agreed.
"Some might think college isn't an option because they don't have these resources," she said. "This will teach them they do have resources and don't have to limit themselves because of their environment."
Youth conferences such as this one help benefit the NAACP chapters throughout the state.
"It gives NAACP a chance to explain exactly what NAACP is about and the history," president of the Muncie NAACP chapter, Michael Harley, said. "It's going to get that message out by hearing rather than reading about it."
The event includes a keynote speaker, Tobias Q. Brown. Gyden had seen Brown at a previous workshop and said he will be speaking on finding passion.
"I found him very beneficial as I had just changed my major," she said. "It is important to come to college knowing what you want to do instead of figuring it out as you go along."
In addition to a motivational speaker, Planned Parenthood of Indiana will be holding a health session, the Office of Admissions will discuss college preparation and students will learn about financial empowerment.
It is important for youth to be exposed to these conferences at early ages to best benefit them.
"It will give them an up close and personal look at what they can expect from campus life," Harley said. "They will learn the importance of going to college and how a college education can prepare you for life and the experience of being away from home."
Conferences like this one are also important for the development and continuation of the NAACP.
"The hope is to get them involved in organizations such as the NAACP so when it's their time to step up and take the baton, they will be ready for it," Harley said.
Many of the students will become NAACP members after the conference, Duncan said.
Already having been in the shoes of the youths attending, Gyden said she understands the importance for youth who attend these conferences.
"You might have someone who is not really into college but they could be inspired to think that college is obtainable for them," Gyden said. "I hope they take away that college is just an arm's length away and regardless of where you come from, you have the same options as anyone else."
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