NMSU invites sixth-graders and their families to campus for the Young Achievers Forum on Oct. 25 to explore college and career pathways.

Tiffany Acosta, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - The Young Achievers Forum brings local sixth- and seventh-grade students and their families to NMSU to give them an opportunity to experience college. This year’s event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Corbett Center Student Union.

Young Achievers Forum will bring 100 students from Deming and Las Cruces Public Schools. The free event is a collaboration between NMSU and CommUNITY en Acción, a local civic organization of leaders dedicated to furthering education in the community. NMSU students and staff, along with community volunteers, help make the event possible. 

The goal of the Young Achievers Forum is to provide a day of inspiration, motivation and education to students and their families. The day includes an emphasis on the importance of higher education, an introduction to career opportunities and positive role models, information about financial aid options, and encouragement for families to prepare their students for a path to higher education. Michelle Adames, Jardin de Los Niños CEO and three-time NMSU graduate, will be this year’s keynote speaker.

“We are thrilled to welcome 100 future Aggies as they receive a firsthand look at the career opportunities that a college degree can bring,” said Tony Marin, associate vice president for Student Affairs.

First offered at NMSU in 2017, approximately 2,000 middle school students have participated in the Young Achievers Forum, and for many it’s their first time visiting a college campus. Students will have the chance to learn from engineers, government leaders, lawyers, health care professionals and entrepreneurs about careers that are possible with a college degree.

In addition to sessions for students, families attend separate breakout sessions to provide them with the tools and resources they need to plan and empower their students to pursue a postsecondary degree. The family sessions are offered in both English and Spanish.

For more information, call NMSU’s Student Success Center at 575-646-3136.