African-American High School Students Gather at Colorado State University’s Black Issues Forum

Note to Editors: Reporters are welcome to cover the sessions of the Black Issues Forum. For more information or to schedule interviews with participants, contact Bobby A. Browning, assistant director of Admissions, at (970) 491-6431.

Dozens of African-American high school seniors will gather to research issues pertinent to the African-American community during the 14th annual Black Issues Forum at Colorado State University June 29-July 1.

The program brings together about 35 students from Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas and Wisconsin.

The session involves three days of research and discussion that will 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:

– How African Americans were affected by Hurricane Katrina;

– Why enrollment is higher in colleges and universities for African-American females versus African-American males;

– The major health issues affecting African-Americans today;

– How male and female roles have changed in the African-American family in the past 25 years.

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 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. "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 forum, contact Browning at (970) 491-6431.

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