Parents & Educators
A Note for Parents
En Espanol:
http://www.hispanicyouth.org/informacion-para-padres
The greatest gift a parent can give a child is “roots and wings.” The Hispanic Youth Symposium provides rising high school students with a vision of hope and prosperity. During the course of four days and three nights, numerous volunteers, role models, colleges, and universities work with our partner organizations to instill in participants hope for the future and a sense as to the importance of a college education. Parental encouragement and moral support to participate is vital to the symposium’s success. Parents are encouraged to motivate their sons and daughters to apply and participate in the symposium - it is a life changing experience that will help shape a student’s vision of the future.
Below are frequently asked questions from parents who are interested in having their son or daughter participate in our Hispanic Youth Symposium.
What are lodging and food arrangements?
Students will be staying for four days and three nights at the University of New Mexico. Students will be provided with food for the entirety of the program.
Will students be supervised?
Yes, students are supervised in the entirety of the program. Students are put into groups of 8-10 students called “familias,” and each familia is assigned a resident assistant that supervises and supports students during the entirety of the program. In addition to these resident assistants, approximately 150 adult volunteers attend each symposium.
Will transportation be provided?
In the past, transportation has been provided but it is limited based on region. Parents and students will be informed of the transportation arrangements upon acceptance into the program.
Are parents allowed to stay with the students during the program?
Parents are welcome to attend the opening and closing ceremony of the program but cannot remain for the entirety of the symposium.
What should students bring with them to the program?
Upon acceptance into the program, students will receive a “Things to Bring” checklist.
Can a student leave the symposium early or arrive late?
All participants are required to arrive on time and participate throughout the entirety of the program. If an emergency arises, or a violation to the code of conduct occurs, parents will be immediately notified and asked to pick up their son/daughter.
How much will the symposium cost?
The symposium has a registration cost of $10 per student. Students will submit the registration fee with the rest of the required forms, after they have completed an application and have been accepted into the symposium.
How can my son or daughter apply to the Hispanic Youth Symposium?
Students interested in applying should begin their online application by going to the “Student Application” portion of this website. The online application will require students to submit demographic information and complete an essay. All students should remember the username and password they create. Also, students should assure that they submit a valid and regular email to start the application process.
What happens after my son or daughter submits the online application?
Students who have completed the online application, submitted an essay, and are selected as participants will be required to submit parental consent forms and competition forms in order to participate. The parental consent forms must be signed by the parent or guardian of the student; and these forms will be mailed to the student along with the acceptance letter.
When will I know if my son or daughter was accepted to the program?
Students will learn if they have been accepted by May 30, 2008. They will receive a letter of acceptance with program details.
When is the program?
Each symposium has a different date and location. Students, parents and volunteers should check their summer school, and summer work commitments prior to participating.
To download the parent informational brochure in Spanish, click here 
A Note for Educators
Help Us Reach the Students Who Need This Most!
The Hispanic College Fund needs your support to ensure that every deserving student fully considers participation in the Hispanic Youth Symposium!
Who is eligible to apply and participate?
We target students who are Hispanic or culturally relate to the Hispanic culture, have a minimum 2.5 GPA (suggested), and are current freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Students must live and attend a high school in New Mexico.
How do students apply?
All students are required to apply online. All students are required to submit an essay as part of the application process.
What happens after a student submits the online application?
Students who have completed the online application, submitted an essay, and are selected as participants will be required to submit parental consent forms and competition forms in order to participate. The parental consent forms must be signed by the parent or guardian of the student; and these forms will be mailed to the student along with the acceptance letter.
To download our 2008 Educator Guide, click here
To join our educator directory and receive updates from the Hispanic College Fund,
click here.
