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The Central Valley Hispanic Youth Symposium
Fresno State University | July 20-23, 2010

Community Partners

It would be impossible to host this program without a broad network of supporters. These organizations and individuals are providing tremendous support to the Hispanic Youth Symposium in California’s Central Valley.

Lead Community Partner

Central Valley Higher Education Consortium

The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) is a non-profit, incorporated partnership of 21 accredited community colleges and public and independent universities. Established in 2000, by the presidents and chancellors of the region’s colleges and universities, CVHEC serves a 10-county area including Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties. Together, CVHEC and its member higher education institutions are committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Valley by increasing the number of area students who continue their education beyond high school and by educating graduates ready to meet the demands of a competitive workplace.

CV-HEC is providing assistance with the recruitment of students, program coordination, fundraising, and year-round programming to the Hispanic Youth Symposium student alumni.

University Partner

California State University, Fresno

CVHYS Padrino Chairman

Jim Oftedal
Director, Central California Consortium

Mr. James Oftedal has been the Director of the highly distinguished and successful Central California Consortium (CCC) for the last thirteen years. The CCC is the only known Forest Service funded environmental education, outreach, and recruitment program working to build a bridge between the agency and underserved communities, including Latinos and Southeast Asians. The majority of students who participate in the CCC are minority first generation students, whose families have traditionally worked the agricultural fields of Central California. Mr. Oftedal is helping these students transition into careers within the Forest Service and other USDA agencies.

Mr. Oftedal is dedicated to helping Hispanic youth fulfill their dreams of higher education by currently serving on the HYS National Advisory Board. Most recently he was honored with the role of “Padrino” (Honorary Chairman) for the 3rd Annual Central Valley HYS.