September 14, 2006

 
LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The University of West Alabama will host 150 high-school students for a one-day conference on Sept. 18, offering workshops on current career trends, job readiness and retention, money management, entrepreneurship and helpful techniques to transition into career and educational paths. The Youth Workforce Development Conference, funded by a grant received through the institution’s Small Business Development Center, targets vocational students from Greene and Sumter counties.

“This is going to be an exciting and meaningful conference,” said Kenneth Walker, Small Business Development Center Director. “The University of West Alabama is reaching out to the students in our area and helping prepare our youth for life beyond high school, whether they choose to continue their education or to find a job that suits their skills and passions.”

Motivator, author and community educator Alfred “Coach” Powell, born in Eutaw, is the keynote speaker for the conference. Known as the Dean of Street Psychology, Powell brings humor, insight, experience and empathy to youth audiences across the country. His thought-provoking messages inspire change through looking at old problems in new ways.

University President Richard Holland, Dr. Fred Primm, Superintendent of Sumter County Schools, and Dr. Douglas L. Ragland, Superintendent of Greene County Schools, will also be on hand for the conference. Other presenters include Kenneth Walker; Tammy White, UWA Career Services Director; Patsy Boyd, Employee Development Coordinator with Alabama Power Company and other experts in their fields.

For more information about the Youth Workforce Development Conference, contact the UWA Small Business Development Center at (205) 625-3665.