AAFE strongly believes in providing young people with the tools they need to succeed in high school, gain admittance to college and to thrive in their adult lives. Through our comprehensive youth program based in Flushing, Queens, we recently hosted our 7th annual Career Conference, a day-long event attended by 120 students.
AAFE was joined at Flushing High School by professionals from many different fields, including business, law, health services and STEM. They took part in panel discussions and more informal networking sessions, all geared to helping students learn about educational requirements in specific fields and the challenges and rewards of various professions.
AAFE also proudly welcomed alumni from AAFE’s Youth Programs to participate in a college panel to share their college experiences, while current youth participants served as moderators and ushers for the event.
During the closing session, students heard from Hina Naveed, an inspirational young woman who shared her journey starting as a DREAMer. She became a community organizer and a nurse, and is now on her way to becoming an attorney. Naveed’s story served as a living example of a young immigrant who, in spite of seemingly impossible obstacles, has thrived by coping with unexpected challenges as they came her way.
AAFE’s Youth Programs offer leadership development, civic engagement opportunities and counseling to promote college- and career-readiness. Every year, AAFE coordinates college tours for local high school students, offering them exposure to university campuses. AAFE also runs a peer-to peer counseling program in partnership with College Access: Research and Action, which trains young people to help other students prepare their college applications and to apply for financial aid.
See our photo gallery below. For more information about our Community Services for youth, seniors, new immigrants and low-income tenants, click here.
