SUCCESS @ Project Next Step 2019

Last Saturday, August 17 was a SUCCESS!! 144 students along with just as many parents and family members came to Bakersfield College for the 3rd Annual Project Next Step Conference!

With the direction of Odella Johnson, one of our Board members and Conference Coordinator, we met the goal of sharing resources to ensure student success with those attending. Students and parents and are confident they have a greater chance for academic achievement this school year. Students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades were engaged. BCSD even brought middle school students to take part. Resources included

  • Personal Statement for scholarship applications - Kristen Beall of Kern Community Foundation

  • College Success in STEM - AERA Energy

  • Peer Pressure & Leadership - Judge Gloria Cannon

  • How to Navigate the System - Leo Holland

  • Completing the FAFSA - Chris Dutton

  • A-G; Bi-literacy; and College Options - Tashawn Winston

  • ACT/SAT Profile - Kesha Owens

  • CTE Night w/Kern High School District - Tina Cox

  • School & Community Opportunities - Jennifer Jenkins

  • Getting Involved with NPHC/HBCU/#CAP/UMOJA - Ashley Davis, Kalisha Hudgins, Dr. Christy Cramer, Dr. Paula Parks

  • Dual Enrollment - Steve Walsh

  • Classroom Etiquette and Dress for Success - Wendell Davis and Janell Burton

  • Code Switching - Nakeisha Moya and Pam Shakir

  • KHSD Graduation Requirements - Denise James

  • Blackboard - Erin Briscoe-Clark

  • Resource Fair Vendors: African American Network, Allensworth Park, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Bakersfield PAL, Basketball Universe Academy, Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo Soldiers, Christian Youth Film Society, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority - GEMS, Department of Rehabilitation, Faith in the Valley of Kern, Farmers Insurance, In-Shape, The Links, Inc., NAACP - Bakersfield Branch, Omega Insurance Services, She Power Academy, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Stay Focused, Stepping Stones Youth Development, US Army, WingStop and YWRAP

Very special thanks to this year’s facilities host - Bakersfield College. Dr. Sonja Christian, Steve Watkin and staff welcomed students warmly. Particularly enjoyed was the beautiful Indoor Theater and wonderful lunch. Special thanks as well to GET Bus for providing bus passes to attendees. Thanks to McDonalds and Chick Fil A for providing gift cards to students!!

Thank you to Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, Dr. Vernon Harper and CSU Bakersfield staff for your continued support of students in facilitating this conference. Thank you to Reyna Harvey, News Anchor at KBAK-TV and James Burton, Farmers Insurance for setting the tone for the day by giving encouraging words to all attendees at the opening town hall.

Finally, we are especially excited for our continued partnership with Kern High School District, Superintendent Dr. Byron Schaefer and his team lead by Dr. Brenda Lewis. Because we have a shared mission this conference has come to life! Thank you.

Here’s to a tremendous 2019-2020 School Year and best next steps!

Scholarship, Conference, Project Next StepRaquell Jones