African American High School Students Gather at Colorado State University's Black Issues Forum June 15-19

FORT COLLINS - African American high school seniors will come together to research issues pertinent to the African American community during the 17th annual Black Issues Forum at Colorado State University on June 15-19.

The program brings together about 40 students from Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. The session involves four days of research and discussion that culminate in a formal forum where students present their findings. The program format also helps students strengthen their skills in public speaking, teamwork and leadership. Students will choose to study one of four topics pertinent to the African-American community: • African Americans and Politics: Black Leadership in the Hip Hop Generation
• African Americans and the Environment: The Importance of Green Energy in Black Communities
• African Americans and Technology: Black Scientists: Past, Present and Future
• African Americans and Society: Exploring the Impacts of High Rates of Incarceration in Black Communities

Black Issues Forum at Colorado State University

Colorado State faculty, staff and graduate students will assist program participants in researching and presenting their topic areas. “The purpose of the Black Issues Forum program is to expose high school students to higher education and Colorado State University,” said Bobby Browning, forum coordinator and assistant director of Admissions at Colorado State University.

“After spending a few days living and conducting research on a university campus, this experience should make the pursuit of a college degree a less daunting experience for high school student participants.”

For more information about the Black Issues Forum, contact Bobby A. Browning at (970) 213-4032. -30-

For Immediate Release Wednesday, June 09, 2010 Contact for Reporters: Jennifer Dimas
970.491.1543 Jennifer.Dimas@ColoState.EDU