MDA Youth Leadership Conference Workshop Write-Ups

2012 Conference Theme is  “Balance:  The True Swag”

Thug Life to the High Life (For Males Only)

This workshop focuses on the achievement and resilience of young males.  Participants will view the movie, “Bring Your A Game”, which focuses on many of the issues and struggles facing minority students and provides an alternative viewpoint that will enable young males to achieve success.  A panel discussion of issues will follow. 

Treat Me Like a Lady (For Females Only) 

This workshop will focus on making the transition from girlhood to becoming a young lady. It will offer guidance to high school girls on how to deal with situations of conflict, social networking, etiquette and other areas of struggle and uncertainty. This interactive workshop will address appropriate behavior and provide a forum for honest discussion and role play.

Financial Literacy:  Make Money, Keep Money, Make More Money

Come learn what it takes to have a healthy financial life.  This workshop will provide the tools to learn how to successfully manage money, establish financial stability, and transform your creative energies into an entrepreneurial experience. 

College:  Getting In, Getting Funded

This workshop will focus on helping participants develop an understanding of the requirements necessary for a successful college application.  Participants will also learn about the various forms of scholarships and financial aid and how to be competitive for these awards.

You’re Stressing Me Out!: Learning to Deal with Life’s Challenges

School, work, the bus, relationships, family life, and Facebook can be very stressful.  This interactive workshop helps teen identify the major sources of stress in their lives and provides coping strategies and resources for managing stress. 

Sit Where I Want:  Who Do You Sit Next to In the Cafeteria?

Are the students in your cafeteria separated?  In this workshop, students will discuss the issues that continue to divide us.  Participants will develop strategies for resisting the temptation to self-segregate and for fostering intercultural connections with different groups and different races. 

Making the Grade:  Strategies for School Success

What kind of learner are you?  Do you know where your resources are?  Do you know the difference between doing your homework and studying?  Knowing the answers to these questions can make the difference in having a successful high school experience.  This workshop will provide participants with strategies that will enable them to maximize their academic achievement.