Exemplary of its continued commitment to supporting underserved students and creating a college-going culture, UTSA celebrated the 10th anniversary of its signature Family Summit on Saturday, November 4, at the Downtown Campus. The university welcomed more than 150 families from across the community at this free, collaborative event.
Nicole Cherry, assistant professor of violin and coordinator of the String Area in the UTSA School of Music, was this year’s featured keynote speaker. Cherry shared her story of family and community support with attendees, illustrating how it helped her advance her education and build a distinguished career in musical performance.
The summit was focused on several key themes. Attendees received information about career exploration, financial aid and scholarships, Alamo Colleges and UTSA admissions, returning to college for adults, Café College resources, mental health & well-being, and how to have conversations for success with their student’s school counselors. Guests attended sessions offered in Spanish and in English throughout the morning.
The summit concluded with lunch and a family resource fair featuring over 20 organizations including the San Antonio Food Bank, San Antonio Independent School District Adult and Community Education, BiblioTech, Alamo Workforce Solutions, the San Antonio Public Library and the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors.
“I spoke with parents, and they shared the UTSA summit taught them valuable information to support their students with their education in high school and it prepared them for the next journey into college or career paths,” said Sabrina Lara, the family engagement liaison at Northeast Independent School District.
Belinda Saldaña Harmon, senior director of the Community Outreach and Transfer Department in UTSA Strategic Enrollment, added, “UTSA has a history of family engagement. The Family Summit continues to fulfill its original vision of engaging, educating and empowering families with academic success social and emotional information and tools they can draw upon to support the success of their own children. It also provides a dynamic place where families can connect with other families and professionals to enrich their supportive networks in the community. It promotes a college-going culture.”
Key partners in planning this year’s summit include the Alamo Colleges District, the Military Child Education Coalition, Education Service Center Region 20, Communities in Schools, H-E-B, Up Partnership and San Antonio Education Partnership.
The Family Summit is offered by the UTSA Department of Community Outreach and Transfer Recruitment.
