Conference to focus on Latino education

Elise Gee

COSTA MESA -- About 200 students who were handpicked from local schools

and civic organizations will gather Tuesday for the third annual Latino

Youth Conference.

The conference is a collaborative effort of 25 different school and

community agencies to give young people guidance in matters such as

preventing teen violence, career and money management, and studying

skills.

This year’s featured speaker is Newport Beach actor and artist Pepe

Serna, whose film and television credits include “American Me,” “Car

Wash” and “Miami Vice.”

Over the last three years, the conference has increased in both the

number of participants, and the quality of workshops and speakers.

“We feel there is no limit to this conference, so there’s a real strong

sense of purpose and destiny to make it bigger and better,” said Pepe

Montenegro, conference chairman.

This year’s theme, “Educate to Graduate,” focuses on one of the

conference goals -- to increase the number of Latino high school

graduates. Other goals include community safety, encouraging college and

continuing education after high school, employment, and teen pregnancy.

In addition to the workshops and address by Serna, the conference at the

Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center will feature entertainment skits

and numerous college and career booths.

But teens who participate, walk away with more than just the practical

skills, organizers say.

“There’s also a sense of worth,” Montenegro said, “a sense of belonging

and a sense of identity.”