NMSU welcomes middle school students, highlights campus at Young Achievers Forum

Young Achievers Forum will bring 200 to 250 sixth- and seventh-grade students from Gadsen Independent School District, Hatch Valley and Las Cruces Public Schools to NMSU to give them an opportunity to experience college.

Source: NMSU Newsroom
By Tiffany Acosta
Photo: Courtesy

Giving middle school students and their families an in-person glimpse into careers through college is the goal of the Young Achievers Forum. New Mexico State University will host the annual event from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Corbett Center Student Union.

Young Achievers Forum will bring 200 to 250 sixth- and seventh-grade students from Gadsen Independent School District, Hatch Valley and Las Cruces Public Schools to NMSU to give them an opportunity to experience college. 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.  

“We look forward to welcoming our county’s sixth- and seventh-grade students to New Mexico State University for the Young Achievers Forum, a day of discovery and inspiration. Through the partnership of our schools, private industry and CommUNITY en Acción, students will explore the possibilities of higher education and connect with professionals who inspire their future careers. We are grateful to our partners for investing in our youth and helping shape the next generation of leaders and professionals,” Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success Tony Marin said. 

Established at NMSU in 2017, Young Achievers Forum provides 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. 

For many students, the Young Achievers Forum will be their first time visiting a college campus. The event gives students a 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.