In November, nineteen students from Norco College’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and Puente programs attended the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 38th Annual Conference, Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: ¡Adelante!, held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado. The conference offered Mustang students the chance to network with Hispanic leaders, connect with companies and community organizations, and engage in discussions on important issues affecting Hispanic communities.
Throughout the three-day event, Norco College students participated in workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities through the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, the conference's student-focused track. These sessions were tailored to develop students' leadership skills, expand their professional perspectives, and inspire them to envision impactful careers within their communities and industries. Key sessions addressed higher education trends, graduate opportunities, policy issues, and partnerships that support Hispanic students’ academic and career pathways.
As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Norco College values opportunities like HACU, where students can learn directly from leaders who share their backgrounds and experiences. By attending this national event, Norco students not only experienced personal growth but also gained skills and insights to share with their peers, enhancing the Mustang community.
This experience at HACU equipped Norco College’s Mustang students with skills, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Returning to campus with new knowledge and strengthened networks, these students are now ready to make a lasting impact at Norco College and in their broader communities, embodying the leadership and advocacy that HACU promotes.