National Youth-At-Risk Conference to take place this March

January 29, 2018

Georgia Southern University’s College of Education and Division of Continuing Education have teamed up to host the 29th Annual National Youth-At-Risk Conference, March 4-7 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Savannah, Georgia.

The conference aims to help professionals create safe, healthy, caring and intellectually empowering educational environments for children and adolescents. Throughout the conference, attendees can expect more than 120 training sessions, the opportunity to earn professional credits, to network with industry professionals and to gain knowledge of proactive solutions and best practices for meeting the serious challenges faced by today’s youth.

Three keynote speakers, each of whom will further the conference theme, “Helping Adults Serve Youth,” will present.

Stedman Graham, chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates, a Chicago-based management and marketing consulting firm that specializes in corporate and educational markets, will open the conference at the Grand Keynote Banquet on March 4 with his presentation, “Identity Leadership: A Roadmap to Professional Success.” Graham is known for sharing his message on identity and leadership, having presented at the national and international level.

Baruti Kafele will present, “Closing the Attitude Gap: How to Fire Up Your Students for Excellence,” Monday, March 5. Kafele is an award-winning author and presenter, and one of the most sought-after education speakers in the nation. He is a leading authority on providing effective classroom and leadership strategies for closing the attitude gap.

Jane Bluestein will open the final day of the conference with her keynote presentation, “Ensuring Every Student Succeeds with a Supportive School Climate,” on March 7. Bluestein, known worldwide for her positive approach to training and effective guidance, will encourage attendees to take a look at school climates and explore ways to make these environments empowering and engaging for students placed at-risk. Bluestein has made several appearances as a guest expert on CNN, National Public Radio and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

More than 1,200 professionals working in counseling, teaching, law enforcement, social work and volunteer services are expected to attend.

To register for the National Youth-At-Risk Conference, visit www.NationalYouthAtRisk.org. Discounted ticket rates are available for those who register by Monday, Feb. 5. Participants can opt to participate in the full conference or in half, one or two-day increments. Pre-conference workshops are also available.

For more information about the upcoming conference, contact Judy Hendrix at the Georgia Southern University Division of Continuing Education at nyarconference@georgiasouthern.edu or call (912) 478-5555.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution founded in 1906, offers 142 degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Savannah, Statesboro, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.