Indiana Wesleyan University is hosting the October 17 Hispanic Alliance Education Summit on the Marion residential campus in partnership with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC).
The Hispanic Alliance Education Summit is held annually to highlight the academic challenges faced by Latinos and education providers with a specific focus on reducing the Hispanic drop out rate. Challenges, strategies and solutions are presented to attendees, including pastors, church leaders, academic administrators and educators.
The Summit exists to serve as a resource, information dissemination and collaborative platform for churches, Christian colleges and universities, and elementary, middle and high schools committed to educating Hispanic students. Recruitment and retention will be the priority topics at the Summit.
"Recent research shows that the American Latino population, with an average age of 27, makes up 16 percent of the national population and 22 percent of the K-12 population," said Dr. Henry Smith. "However, 19 percent of Latinos in America have earned an associate degree or higher compared to 38 percent of all adults. These statistics must change.
"Our focus is the national Hispanic drop out rate and our goal is to identify solutions to help students graduate," Smith said.
The Summit, which begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., is free. Registration is required: https://regstg.com/Registration/Introduction.aspx?rid=8765adc3-6899-4523-97a4-c7851dfb9e6d
Speakers include Dr. Carlos Campo, president of Regent University and chairman of the Alliance for Hispanic Christian Education, and Rev. Samuel Rodriquez, president of NHCLC.
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church, which has its world headquarters in Indianapolis. The University was founded in 1920, and is committed to liberal arts and professional education.
More than 3,200 students are enrolled in traditional programs on the University's main campus in Marion. Another 12,200 adult learners attend classes at education centers in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, and online.