This conference seeks to engage the community in meaningful dialogue relative to issues facing underrepresented educators, professionals, parents and students at all levels. We believe the provision for career advancement, through networking and training, serves to empower all to become advocates for the betterment of our educational systems.
In June of 2003, the Association of Faculty and Staff of African Descent (AFSAD) from Buffalo State College in conjunction with the University at Buffalo Minority Faculty and Staff Association (MFSA) launched the first biennial professional development conference aimed at addressing the myriad of issues facing secondary and higher education. A key factor for this collaboration was to highlight the importance of creating relationships that expand beyond our respective communities for the betterment of students at all levels.
Past conferences focused on issues surrounding diversity, college recruitment and retention, and the millennial student. We “bridged out” to the K through 16 educational arena; addressing various topics and issues including the widening gap between the high school and college entrance rate especially for the male student population.
Available proceeds from our biennial conference help fund scholarship awards for undergraduate students attending both colleges.
Stay tuned for this year's upcoming events!
