CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Latino youth from around Lake County converged in Clearlake this weekend to learn more about opportunities to achieve a college education.

The Yuba College Clear Lake Campus hosted the “Si Se Puede” college conference this past Saturday, Oct. 26.

The conference was for local Latino youth in grades eighth through 12th and their families.

The morning started with breakfast prepared by Yuba’s culinary arts students.

Executive Dean Artemio Pimentel welcomed the families and acknowledged them for making a commitment to education on a Saturday.

Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook introduced keynote speaker Dr. Francisco Reveles.

“Francisco Reveles is a teacher. Not just a teacher of Math, English and lifelong learning. He is a teacher of the soul and spirit. He teaches all of us to open to the joy of learning,” said Holbrook.

Reveles, an internationally acclaimed speaker, moved many in the audience to tears. He had the youth and the parents interacting and participating. Many were visibly impacted as he spoke from the heart about the importance of family and community.

Parents and students also toured the campus. While touring the facilities all majors and programs were explained.

The tour focused on career technical, associate degrees and transfer education.

Professor Caryn Blyth presented an English lesson featuring a Latino poet. Students participated in the lesson experiencing firsthand what a college classroom feels like.

Culinary students provided a behind the scenes tour of the culinary operations. Professor Hubbard exposed the students to welding technologies and careers in welding.

Students and parents received information on financial aid, the Dream Act and scholarships.

Yuba College Board member Doc Saverse reported that one parent told him that learning that there is help and money available was the most valuable portion of the day for her. She said that everyone helped her to realize that higher education is actually possible.

Four Latino Yuba students – Alberto Macias, Pedro Miguel, Elizabeth Alvarez and Zabdy Neria – sat on a panel and told the group about their own experiences in education, their dreams and visions.

The room was silent as each of the young panelists shared their personal stories of how education has changed their lives.

The day ended with lunch, again provided by the culinary program, and access to community resources.

About a dozen community agencies presented information and resources to the families. Three institutions came from out of the area – Sonoma State University, the University of California at Davis and the Mexican Consulate from San Francisco.

The well rounded day gave youth and families inspiration and confidence to pursue a higher education.