ATHENS – Athens State University and the Leading Edge Institute have been named as the event sponsors for the upcoming Youth Education and Awareness (Y.E.A) Mini-Conference to be held Saturday, February 8. Athens State’s Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Studies, Dr. Quanda Watson- Stevenson is coordinating the event. The Y.E.A. mini-conference is a service project for two Athens State University students who are acting as L.E.I. (Leading Edge Institute) representatives for the conference, Ms. Kristina Lovell and Ms. Stephanie White. This service project will also assist Lovell and White with their professional goals of becoming a juvenile probation officer and a child psychologist. They will have an opportunity to interact with children and families during their community service project.
The mini-conference will offer children and their families an opportunity to learn about issues impacting them in the community
Dr. Quanda Watson-Stevenson
Program Director and Assistant Professor for Criminal Justice/Justice Studies
such as, bullying, social media, truancy, abuse, and nutrition.
“The event provides an opportunity for our juvenile justice studies program to provide opportunities for parents and their children to interact and participate in an educational event“, states Watson-Stevenson. “The conference sessions are designed to educate various school-aged children; parents can help their children select which sessions they want to attend. We want families who participate to receive educational resources and have fun! “
Watson-Stevenson added, “Those attending can also attend creative art sessions where they can make crafts and face paint. This is an event for the entire family.”
The Mini-Conference will be held from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, February 8 with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. It will be held at the Carter Physical Education Center on Athens State University’s campus. There will be free food and lots of fun activities for all involved. Parents or legal guardians must accompany their children during the entire event.
Conference organizers are still accepting presenters and volunteers for the event. Information and conference forms may be found at www.mcs.athens.edu/yeaconference on the information web page created by computer science students on campus. Conference participants can fax or email completed forms to 256-233-6515 or bring them to the conference. If you want more information or have questions please contact Dr. Watson-Stevenson at Quanda.Stevenson@athens.edu or 256-233-6515.
MEDIA RELEASE/ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY/GUY MCCCLURE
