10.15.2009
Sarah Wheelock Spoke At The Sioux City School District's Career, College and Leadership Conference

Sarah was the keynote speaker for the 22nd annual conference.

 The Sioux City Schools' annual Career, College and Leadership Conference is hosted by the Department of Educational Equity.  The goal of the conference is to engage students of color and students with disabilities to learn about post-secondary opportunities, scholarships, career choices and leadership qualities that will allow them to reach their highest potential.  The conference is highly motivating and inspiring to student participants. 

How:  The Department of Educational Equity has organized the conference for the past 22 years for 9^th-12^th grade students.  Area businesses and institutions of higher education from South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa are invited to attend and to co-sponsor the event. The sponsorship fees and money generated from exhibitor registration fund the cost of the facility rental and student luncheon. The event itself is held at the Sioux City Convention Center and a special student luncheon is held for student participants. A keynote address from a former student who has gone on to higher education and reached their potential is a highlight of the luncheon.  The majority of presenters and representatives from business, higher education and non-profits serve as role models to the student participants.  Each workshop presentation focuses on a unique aspect of knowledge that will empower our students to become future leaders and to seek higher education opportunities. Non-traditional careers are also a focus of the conference.  All co-sponsors are honored as part of the day-long event for their generosity and support of the Career, College and Leadership Conference.  The Educational Equity Committee serves as a planning committee for this event. 

Who:  Students of color and students with disabilities from local high schools receive registration information for the conference, prior to the event and must have parent permission.  Transportation for Sioux City Community School students is provided from each of the high schools. Students are not allowed to drive their cars and also are excused from school. Counselors, support staff and community volunteers serve as chaperones for the event.  Interpreters are available for students who are in need of translation services. 

Expected Outcomes:  To increase the overall graduation rates of our students; Promote opportunities for leadership; Increased knowledge of career choices and higher education opportunities for participants; Decrease the dropout rate among our students of color and students with disabilities. 

Program Evaluation:  Student evaluations are submitted and reviewed by the Educational Equity Committee.  Presenters and exhibitors also complete a conference survey.  A follow-up conference entitled, "Destination Graduation" will be held in the spring to follow-up on students who are not on track to graduate.  

For more information contact:  Marilyn Charging, Director of Equity at chargim@siouxcityschools.org