LEAP 2024 Conference took place on Wednesday, November 20th at DMACC. This year's conference featured a keynote address from Jordan Brooks from Iowa State University who challenged students to manifest their dreams and how knowing themselves can help them find a college and career that combines their passions and interests.

Breakout sessions allowed students the chance to explore different topics of interest. Some of the highlighted sessions included:

• The Student Athlete Experience: Led by Jasmine Washington from Cornell College, this session provided valuable insights into balancing academics, athletics, and personal life, as well as navigating the challenges and opportunities unique to student athletes.
• Learning How to Be an Adult: Facilitated by Jorge Leyva from Iowa State University, this practical session was designed to equip students with essential life skills, from managing personal finances to building emotional resilience, helping them transition smoothly into adulthood.
• Understanding Financial Aid Options: One session was led by Danielle Sampson from Iowa College Aid, another one by Shelly Adams with Iowa Student Loans. These sessions helped demystify the complexities of financial aid, providing students with actionable knowledge on scholarships, grants, and loan options to help fund their college education.
• The 5 W’s of College Preparation: Navigating Your Path to College: Joel Johnson and Jazlin Coley from Drake University helped students explore essential factors in their college search. From understanding personal identity and values (“Who”) to choosing the right institution (“What”), managing timelines (“When”), considering geographic preferences (“Where”), and clarifying motivations (“Why”),  leaving students with the tools to make informed decisions as they navigate their path to college.
• The Power of Networking: Filling Your Water Tank Before You Are Thirsty!: Led by Todd Coleman from Mount Mercy University helped participants explore how building relationships now can open doors for job searches, mentoring, sales, and connecting others in the future.
• Mastering the Art of Asking for a Letter of Recommendation: Juanita Zavala from Ottumwa High School and Kisha Smith from Waterloo West High School helped students learn the key steps to successfully request a recommendation. Knowing who to ask, when and how to make the request, and what to provide to help teachers, counselors, coaches, or mentors write a strong and effective letter of recommendation.

The event wrapped up with a college and resource fair, where 13 recruiters joined the event, offering students a chance to connect and explore various college opportunities. This was an excellent opportunity for students to utilize their soft skills by networking and building connections with the attendees. 

We look forward to next year's conference and save the date for the Freddy Miranda Scholarship Application which opens February 1st!