2023 Conference

Friday, October 20, 2023

The 2023 Michigan Pre-College and Youth Outreach 15th Annual Conference will be taking place in-person and livestreamed on October 20, 2023 at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI!

Submit a Proposal

PROPOSALS ARE OPEN!

DUE JULY 31

The theme for this special 15th Annual Conference is “Better Together: Building Partnerships.”

Proposal submissions will select one of three options to present their work: Presentation (25 minutes), Workshop (50 minutes) or Poster.

All Poster submissions will be able to attend the full conference at a reduced price at $50.

Our 2023 Conference Proposal Tracks include:

This track is all about creating and continuing strong partnerships. Think about what makes your best outreach partnership work – what are some lessons learned or resources your team has created through reflecting on how you build and expand your partnerships? Ideas include, but are not limited to:

  • Strategies or tools for developing a stronger school partnership (bi-directional)
  • Communication recommendations to strengthen relationships
  • What are school districts/schools looking for from higher educational partners

Within this track, we want to hear from you on how you bring career exploration and development into your programs? How are students exposed to careers not familiar with them? What works to get students excited about these opportunities? Ideas include, but are not limited to:

  • Hands on experiences, exposure opportunities (job shadowing/internships)
  • Identifying pathways & stackable opportunities
  • Tools & resources (xello, or other tools)
  • Student voice (what they like/what they wish was different)

As PCC 2023 will be hosted in Detroit this year, we are looking for stories, lessons learned, and tools that showcase the impact within the city. What are some ways that you use data in your work to show the positive impact within these communities? Or, what are some ways you’ve seen impact within your own communities that could be adopted by those doing outreach work in Detroit? Ideas include, but are not limited to:

  • Partnerships in & out of schools
  • Community engagement and partnerships
  • Mentoring, attendance, tutoring
  • College Access Support

Outreach and K-12 students are probably forever changed by the global pandemic. Now more than ever, outreach groups are using technology in smart and advantageous ways to positively deepen their impact for students. What are some ways your team is using technology to advance outreach, DEI, college access, and more within your programs? Ideas include, but are not limited to:

  • Tools for engaging students and families (web 2.0, software, innovative team building)
  • Student voice (what they like/what they wish was different)
  • Videos

Outreach is a joy – but can also include hard moments. How does your team handle moments of stress or other conflict triggers? How do you meet your students where they are at and help them feel safe to be able to self-actualize within your programs? What mental health practices do you include in your programming to teach everyone? Ideas include, but are not limited to:

  • Tools & Strategies
  • Resources available to use
  • Best Practices that are implementing (quiet rooms/mindfulness)
  • Yoga and mindfulness practices
Submit your proposal today!

Register

“BETTER TOGETHER: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS” The Steering Committee is composed of 13 different educational institutions and organizations around the state of Michigan, with Wayne State University serving as this year’s conference host.

We are planning a variety of presentation formats and workshops, along with some wonderful invited guests, including a free Thursday night networking dinner the evening before the conference.

Our Keynote Speaker will be Andre Ebron, the Senior Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Early bird pricing ($150) ends on August 31st.

Register Now

Schedule at a Glance

Friday, October 20, 2023
  • 8:00 – 8:45 am Networking Breakfast
  • 8:45 – 9:00 am Welcome
  • 9:10 – 10:10 am First Session Block
  • 10:20 – 11:30 am Keynote
  • 11:40 – 12:40 pm Second Session Block
  • 12:40 – 1:30 pm Networking Lunch
  • 1:30 – 2:30 pm Third Session Block
  • 2:40 – 3:40 pm Fourth Session Block
  • 4:00 – 4:30 pm Closing Remarks

Keynote Speaker

  • Andre Ebron, MSOL, CDE

    Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion United Way for Southeastern Michigan

    Headshot of Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross
    Andre Ebron is a non-profit senior leader, entrepreneur, passionate educator, prolific speaker, organizer, and effector of change focused on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through his work in the southeastern Michigan community. Andre currently serves as an Elder at Kainos International Church, the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for United Way for Southeastern Michigan, as well as the owner and founder of Ebron & Associates and The Drawing Board Nation. His career includes various roles serving in the education, faith-based and nonprofit sectors. Andre holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Tri-State University, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Administration from Concordia University, and he is a Certified Diversity Executive. Andre bears the heart of a servant leader. He strategically challenges those around him to level up in business and life in general. His heartbeat for community development and excellence in action not only led to his nomination for Administrator of the Year from the Detroit Public School Community District, but it yielded him the Legend Award from Cornerstone Christian College Preparatory School, as well as the Educational Leadership Spirit Award from Rho Sigma Foundation. In addition to awards, his work and accolades led him to be featured in multiple forms of media, including the Journal Gazette Newspaper, the Herald Republican Newspaper, Crains Detroit Business and the Michigan Chronicle. Most recently, Andre was named to the Michigan Chronicle’s list of 2022 40 under 40 honorees, recognizing his vast accomplishments and contributions to the community as a professional. Andre and his wife of 19 years, Shalessa, are parents to two amazing children: daughter Christian Ebron, and son Andre Ebron II. He is also proud to call himself a duly initiated brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Invited Speakers

  • Headshot of Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross
    Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross is a visionary leader who possesses extensive experience in leadership and group collaboration, with a comprehensive background in elementary and secondary instruction, curriculum development, multicultural education, school safety, budget and finance, and community relations. Dr. Zachery-Ross currently serves as the Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools, where they recently earned the 2022 Cognia System of Distinction Award. Her most notable work has been at Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System, where she was responsible for transforming the entire district’s profile, including student discipline, student and staff attendance, dropout rates, and graduation rate. She has served as Superintendent at Okemos Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent, Elementary and Middle School Principal at Van Dyke, Elementary School Teacher, and School Psychologist in the Detroit Public School District. Dr. Zachery-Ross attended Grand Valley State University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Special Education and Psychology. She earned a Master of Education in Psychology from Wayne State University and completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Michigan State University. Dr. Zachery-Ross continues to be a sought-after speaker, educational consultant, and professional developer. Because of her expertise in community relations, group facilitation, and leadership, she is a coach and mentor to many.
Additional speaker information coming soon!

Become a Sponsor

Make your commitment to enhancing access to higher education  well-known.  We invite you to sponsor this year’s conference.  We will host over  250 leaders from various higher education and community institutions across the state of Michigan and the nation.

If you or your organization have any questions, please contact us at info-michiganpcc@gmail.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.

  • Verbal acknowledgment –verbal thank you and one-minute video shown before keynote 
  • Marketing materials – logo and website linked on the conference website, main conference presentation and all emails to attendees 
  • FREE Full-page AD in program 
  • FREE Registrations: twelve (12) registration codes 
  • 1 Vendor Table space with a table, white linen and 2 chairs
  • Optional: Send 300 flyers and/or 300 small promo items to Wayne State to include in the conference bags. All materials will need to be sent to Wayne State by September 8, 2023.
  • Verbal acknowledgment –verbal thank you before the conference lunch 
  • Marketing materials – logo and website linked on the conference website, main conference presentation and all emails to attendees 
  • FREE Full-page AD in program 
  • FREE Registrations: six (6) registration codes 
  • 1 Vendor Table space with a table, white linen and 2 chairs
  • Optional: Send 300 flyers and/or 300 small promo items to Wayne State to include in the conference bags. All materials will need to be sent to Wayne State by September 8, 2023. 
  • Verbal acknowledgment –verbal thank you before the conference lunch 
  • Marketing materials – logo and website linked on the conference website, main conference presentation and all emails to attendees 
  • FREE Full-page AD in program 
  • FREE Registrations: five (5) regular + five (5) student registration codes 
  • 1 Vendor Table space with a table, white linen and 2 chairs
  • Optional: Send 300 flyers and/or 300 small promo items to Wayne State to include in the conference bags. All materials will need to be sent to Wayne State by September 8, 2023. 
  • Program Full Page AD – $200
  • Vendor Table + 1 FREE Registration – $500
  • Add business to conference’s “Things to do in Detroit” web page – $100
  • Flyers for Conference Attendee Bag – $50
  • Promo Items for Conference Attendee Bag – FREE