NEW YORK — On Feb. 12–14, the College Board Midwestern Regional Office will host a conference of approximately 450 secondary school and college educators, administrators and counselors from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The event will take place at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Hotel.
Participants will come together to discuss practical strategies for implementing change — from achieving greater college preparedness to helping students and their families navigate financial aid programs. The theme of the conference, “Investing in Education: A Call to Action,” sets the tone for thought-provoking sessions specifically geared toward the Midwestern Region and its distinct issues.
Award-winning journalist, Maria Hinojosa, will deliver the keynote address. For 25 years, Hinojosa has helped tell America’s untold stories and brought to light unsung heroes in America and abroad. She serves as the host and managing editor of NPR’s Latino USA, and hosts the Emmy Award–winning talk show, Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One, on PBS. Hinojosa has won top honors in American journalism including multiple Emmys, the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Reporting on the Disadvantaged, and the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Overseas Press Club. In 2010, she was awarded an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, by DePaul University in Chicago, as well as the Sidney Hillman Prize honoring her social and economic justice reporting. Hinojosa was born in Mexico City, raised in Chicago, and received her B.A. from Barnard College. (Sunday, Feb. 12, noon–1:30 p.m.)
During the three-day conference, exceptional teachers, institutions and initiatives will be honored with the CollegeKeys Compact™ Innovation Awards, AP® Recognition Awards, The Bob Costas Grant for the Teaching of Writing, the College Board Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts, and the Distinguished Service Award.
Dozens of additional sessions will examine the most timely and relevant topics in education. For example:
Sunday, Feb. 12
- “What is the College Selection Process Doing to American Teenagers?” (3:30–5 p.m.)
- “Paradigm Shift: Changes in Higher Education Policy” (3:30–5 p.m.)
Monday, Feb. 13
- “Is it Time for a National Clearinghouse for Undergraduate Admission?” (9:15–10:30 a.m.)
- “Tearing Down Barriers: Preparing Students for AP: A Local Approach” (9:15–10:30 a.m.)
- “Up, Up and Away: Unbridled Growth in Freshman Applications” (10:45–noon)
- “Latino College Completion” (3:45–5 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 14
- “It’s a Small World: Recruiting and Serving International Students” (9–10:15 a.m.)
- “Education Pays: Getting Out the Message Early and Often” (10:30–11:45 a.m.)
- “The Midwest Educational Landscape: 13 States in 75 Minutes” (10:30–11:15 a.m.)
All sessions are open to the media. Visit http://midwesternforum.collegeboard.org/ to learn more. To arrange for a press pass or interviews, please contact the College Board Communications office at 212-713-8052 or communications@collegeboard.org
About the College Board
The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of more than 5,900 of the world's leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.