Congratulations to the 30 students who were selected to attend the University of Washington’s Young, Gifted and Black (YGB) Conference in May. Students who attended have a 3.0 grade point average or better and are engaged student leaders who are involved in a multitude of activities supported by local community based organizations. This was the first time Black students from the Bellevue School District, in 9th, 10th and 11th grade, in partnership with the Bellevue Family YMCA, participated in the event. Although the district has a small percentage of Black students, BSD made up the largest percentage of students from any group that attended this year’s YGB Conference.
The BSD student leaders were joined by 100 other students from around the area and were inspired by sessions on college readiness and preparation. The students listened to several presentations and engaged in breakout sessions related to their own culturally relevant experiences.
The University of Washington’s YGB Conference highlights African American history and culture that aims to motivate and empower attendees, promote self-esteem, social consciousness, cultural awareness and the importance of higher education.