African-American High School Students Gather at Colorado State University’s Black Issues Forum

Note to Editors: Reporters are welcome to cover the sessions of the Black Issues Forum. For more information or to schedule interviews with participants, contact Lydia Kelow, assistant director of Admissions, at (970) 491-6431.

FORT COLLINS – Dozens of African-American high school seniors will come together to research issues pertinent to the African-American community during the 13th annual Black Issues Forum at Colorado State University on June 30-July 2.

The program brings together about 30 students from Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, Mississippi, New Jersey and Texas.  

The session involves three days of research and discussion that culminate in a formal forum where students present their findings. The program format also helps students strengthen their skills in public speaking, teamwork and leadership. Students will choose to study one of four topics pertinent to the African-American community: African-Americans and multiculturalism, African-American women, African-American solutions and African-Americans and history. Colorado State faculty, staff and graduate students will assist program participants in researching and presenting their topic areas.

"This forum gives rising high school seniors the opportunity to look at issues affecting the African-American community today, in hopes that this exposure will help shape them as informed and caring leaders in the future," said Lydia Kelow, forum coordinator and assistant director of Admissions at Colorado State. "Students emerge from the program excited about addressing pressing issues in their community."

Exposure to higher education is another important aspect of the program. "By hosting the program at Colorado State University, we are able to encourage students to continue their education beyond high school by exposing them to the collegiate environment at an excellent institution," Kelow said.  

For more information about the forum, contact Kelow at (970) 491-6431.

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