Georgia Southern University to Host National-Youth-At-Risk Conference

February 27, 2012

Stedman Graham, a nationally recognized author, educator and motivational speaker, will highlight the Georgia Southern University 2012 National Youth-at-Risk Conference, which takes place Sunday, March 4, through Wednesday, March 7, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Savannah, Ga.

The conference serves to help educators mentor “at-risk” students in rural, suburban and urban counties, and focuses on five primary topics.

“It’s a very comprehensive conference,” said Georgia Southern professor Dan Rea, co-chair of the conference. “We’re not just dealing with academics. We’re dealing with the broader issues that are all connected – social and emotional issues, physical and mental health, violence in schools, community and parental involvement – so it’s not specialized in one particular area.”

Graham, author of two New York Times best-sellers, is the first of three keynote speakers. He will speak on the opening day of the conference, presenting “Teens Can Make It Happen: Nine Steps for Success.” New York University professor of education Pedro A. Noguera, and President/CEO of Edwards Educational Services, Inc., Stephen W. Edwards, will also give keynote presentations throughout the conference.

The estimated 1,200 educators in attendance will also have access to 42 featured speakers, including former football player Fred Stokes, who won an NCAA national championship while at Georgia Southern and a Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins. Stokes founded the Fred Stokes Youth Ranch, a nonprofit organization, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club.

Five schools from across the nation will be presented with the High Flying School award, given to schools that excel in mentoring at-risk students.

Heavily-discounted, early-bird registration takes place until Feb. 24, at 5 p.m. For more information about the 2012 National Youth-at-Risk Conference, call 912-478-5551 or visithttp://www.nationalyouthatrisk.com.