Futures in Focus Conference

York Prep Hosts Student Conference March 4th!

Brooke Bruner

January 17, 2024

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!  REGISTER HERE

York Preparatory Academy High School is thrilled to announce our first professional student conference, Futures in Focus happening on Monday, March 4th!

Who Will Attend: YPA 11th and 12th grade students

Where: York Prep High School

Conference Schedule: Monday, March 4th

  • 8:15 am: Registration at Student Union
  • 8:30 am: Welcome Address at the Student Union
  • 8:55 am: Workshop #1 at High School
  • 9:45 am: Workshop #2 at High School
  • 10:35 am: Workshop #3 at High School
  • 11:25 am: Workshop #4 at High School
  • 12:15 pm: Lunch at Student Union
  • 12:55 pm: Keynote Speaker at Student Union
  • 1:45 pm: Dismissal at High School

Workshops: Students will attend workshops of their choice led by captivating speakers and select four workshops based on their interests. All 12th grade students will be enrolled in the workshop titled, "How to Balance and Maximize Your Personal Finances and Budget " presented by Founders. 

Workshop Titles:

  1. ARE SPORTS THE PATH TO MY FUTURE? HOW TO OWN THE PROCESS OF RECRUITMENT- In this workshop, students will hear from Ruvell Martin, CEO of Costello Real Estate & Investments and wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers regarding the recruitment process, how to get noticed, and what is expected of a collegiate student-athlete!
  2. BECOME A REAL INFLUENCER: CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITY- In this workshop, students will hear from CEO and Founders of Victory Gardens, Jonathan and Crystal Nazeer learning how to recognize needs in your community and take action to become a real influencer!
  3. COMMUNICATION 101: NETWORKING, GETTING YOURSELF OUT THERE, AND PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND- In this workshop, students will hear from News Anchor and Radio Personality, Lucas McFadden and County Councilman, Watts Huckabee about your personal online brand and how to build a professional online presence!
  4. IDENTIFYING AND IMPRESSING THE GATEKEEPERS TO YOUR DREAMS (BOSSES, ADMISSIONS, ETC.): INTERVIEW AND RESUME SKILLS- In this workshop, students will hear from Melissa Gladden, Owner of Carolina Recruitment learning what employers are looking for, how to create a stand-out resume, and tips to prepare for the interview!
  5. IS THERE LIFE OUTSIDE OF SOUTH CAROLINA? WHAT DO MY OUT OF STATE OPTIONS LOOK LIKE?- In this workshop, students will hear from Kenita Pitts, Program Coordinator for the Academic Common Market for the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education learning more about out of state college opportunities!
  6. LOOKING TO WORK FOR YOURSELF? KEYS TO SUCCESSFULLY STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS- In this workshop, students will hear from business leader, Craig Craze about his journey starting and running a successful business and learn more about what it takes to personally make it happen!
  7. NAVIGATING DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIP SITUATIONS WITH FRIENDS, ROOMMATES, AND CO-WORKERS- In this workshop, students will hear from Julianne Schrader, Assistant Director of Residence Life at Winthrop University learning tips on navigating relationship challenges!
  8. PAYING THE PRICE OF ADMISSION: HOW TO FIND AND QUALIFY FOR RESOURCES TO HELP ME PURSUE MY GOALS- In this workshop, students will hear from Nikisha Dawkins Howze, Director of Financial Aid at York Technical College learning strategies to pay for college and the steps to get there!
  9. POST HIGH SCHOOL Q&A: WHAT COMES NEXT AND THE QUESTIONS YOU WERE AFRAID TO ASK- In this workshop, students will hear from a panel of YPA alumni about their post-high school experiences and ask questions from peers that have been there/done that!
  10. PURSUING A CAREER IN SERVICE: HOW TO MEET YOUR GOALS IN THE MILITARY OR AS A FIRST RESPONDER- In this workshop, students will hear from Chris Neeley, SC Public Charter School District Superintendent about the passion, commitment, and opportunities that exist in military or public service!
  11. WHAT IF I'M UNSURE? GUIDANCE IF YOU JUST DON'T KNOW, INCLUDING A LOOK AT THE TOP 50 CAREERS- In this workshop, students will hear from Celeste Tiller from the Talent and Workforce Development and Becky Ross from Winthrop University learning more about job trends, employment needs, and how to decide your next move!
  12. WHY AM I SO STRESSED? HOW SELF-CARE AND HEALTHY LIVING MAKE A DIFFERENCE- In this workshop, students will hear from Sarah Titman, Medical Social Work Professor at Winthrop University looking at how choices and lifestyle can help or hurt your stress level!
  13. WHY TODAY MATTERS? HOW YOUR CHOICES NOW WILL AFFECT ACCESS TO YOUR DREAMS- In this workshop, students will hear from Carrie Schmidt, Motivational Speaker & Life Coach about how your choices today are shaping your future tomorrow!

Lunch: Students will enjoy a free sit-down catered lunch in the Student Union gym.  On your registration form, students will be able to specify dietary and food lunch needs. 

Keynote Speaker: York Prep is pleased to welcome keynote speaker, 1st LT Duncan Kirkwood! 1st LT Kirkwood is an author, Veteran, and global resilience advocate. He has spent his professional life working to empower young people, educators, organizations, and communities. His mission is to ensure everyone can learn the critical tools to become the most resilient and best version of themselves.1st LT Kirkwood holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Alabama State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona, and is an Army National Guard Master Resilience Trainer. For more information, please visit the following LINK.

Questions and Answers:

  • What should students wear to this event? Because this is a professional conference, students are asked to wear business casual to this event. On your registration form, students will be able to designate if they need assistance acquiring business casual attire. 
  • Are all 11th and 12th grade students required to attend? Yes, all 11th and 12th grade students are required to attend including those in dual enrollment. Attendance will be taken at each workshop. York Technical College is between 8-week semesters and does not have class. Should students have a conflict, please reach out to your student's school counselor or school administrator to discuss.
  • What are the behavior expectations at this event? York Prep will be welcoming business professionals from throughout our community to offer insight to our students to help prepare them for their future. Students are expected to behave professionally showing respect to the speakers and their classmates. All school behavior and discipline policies will be in affect.
  • Where will 9th and 10th graders be during this event? York Prep is busy planning a York Tech Discovery Field Trip for our 10th grade students. 9th grade students will participate in a job shadow day. Both grades will also have the option for a virtual day with assignments provided. More details to be announced.

Sponsors: A special thank you to our sponsors, Comporium, Carolina Power Washing, and Plato's Closet for sponsoring this event!