Hispanic Youth Summit

LULAC and UTPB have invited high school students from across Texas to attend a free Hispanic Youth Summit Nov. 13 and Nov. 14.

Ballet Folklorico of UTPB is an organizer of the event. Dance coach Robyn Hernandez said those attending will get to take a dance class and learn about the culture behind the ballet folklorico style of dance.

"Anybody can go and learn about improving leadership and culture as well," she said.

Hernandez said Ballet Folklorico of UTPB is a scholarship organization that goes beyond dancing and will also push the varying paths of higher education at the summit.

Yolanda Salgado said LULAC received a $14,000 grant from the Odessa Council for the Arts and Humanities to put on the two-day event, all while offering dinner and scholarships to help those coming to stay from outside the area. She said she hopes to have 300 students signed up, but 120 have signed up as of Tuesday afternoon.

"We’ve had quite a response from local schools and support from the community," she said.

Salgado said one high school junior or senior will receive the Outstanding Hispanic Youth Scholarship worth $500 to UTPB. Teacher nominations will decide the ultimate winners. The event will also include contests for poetry, art and dancing and an evening dance Friday night.

Saturday’s activities included scheduled sessions on Hispanic heritage and financial planning for college, plus youth leadership and civil rights. The Saturday session will dovetail with a campus visitation day planned three times a year. Salgado said she hopes the event can continue in future years.

"It would be great because it’s important," she said.

IF YOU GO

>> What: Hispanic Youth Summit.

>> Who: LULAC and UTPB.

>> When: 6 p.m. Nov. 13 and again at 8 a.m. Nov. 14.

>> Where: UTPB.

>> Program: Sessions on leadership, college and culture, ballet Folklorico lessons, as well as dance, poetry and art contests.

>> Call: 367-7926. Admission is free, but registration is required.
367-7926. Admission is free, but registration is required.