Independent Schools Equity & Access Conference and College Fair
Saturday, November 13, 2021
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9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Eastern
Keynote Speaker and Panel
Session Description
The keynote speaker and panel will discuss the college landscape during this global pandemic.
T.J. Snowden, Ed.D, Director of Admissions & Recruitment, Morehouse College
Varo L. Duffins, Director of Financial Aid, Swarthmore College
Erick Herrera, Deputy Director of Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, University of Pennsylvania
Nicholas P. Orban, Special Assistant to the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, University of Maryland
Moderator: Veda Robinson, Westtown School
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM Eastern
Checking the Boxes: Race, Identity, and College Admissions
Session Description
A discussion on identity and finding one’s place of belonging.
Kimberly Romero, Elon University
T. Peaches Valdes, Hamilton College
Tiffiney George, Brown University
Jeremy Branch, Pennsylvania State University
Moderator: Catherine Box, George School
Anatomy of an Application: Putting the Pieces Together at a Time of COVID
Session Description
The application has many parts to it and each college will weigh the parts with different values. Let’s talk about the anatomy of an application and the elephant in the proverbial room — global pandemic.
Jua Howard, University of California Berkeley
Katrina Karris-Flores, Bryn Mawr College
Shawn Felton, Cornell University
Jason Laperriere, Wheaton College
Moderator: Marylyn Scott, African Leadership Academy
Recruitment & Playing Sports in College
Session Description
The panelists will talk about playing in college AND attending a college. But first, an athlete has to navigate the recruitment process.
Dave Frohman, Ohio Wesleyan University
Joel Censer, Harlem Lacrosse Program
Barry Duerr, University of Pittsburgh
Moderator: Tony Alleyne, Delaware College Scholars Program
Student Session – Intersectionality: How Do I Bring ALL of Me to My College Application?
Session Description
Our identities are more than just a series of checking boxes on the Common Application. For many of us, our identities shape our thoughts, interests, areas of study, and, in some cases, future careers. What happens when all of the identities that make up who you are clash? How do you speak about who you are without leaving out the stories that helped shape who you are? Let’s discuss the many ways that our identities can show up in our application and how we can confidently speak about their importance to our respective colleges.
Student Session – Ally to Accomplice
Session Description
Taking active steps to play a role in DEI work can sometimes be as simple as speaking up when you know someone is being mistreated. When you find yourself in a position of power, how do you use it? As a group, let’s examine how we each, knowingly and unknowingly, find ourselves in a position where we can use our voice and actions to push for equity and inclusion – now and in the future.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM Eastern
Paying for College: Planning and Saving, Financial Aid, and Merit Scholarships
Session Description
There’s a cost to attending college – let’s talk about it.
Anna Young, Wellesley College
James Jackson, Saint Joseph’s University
Priscilla Alicea, Georgian Court University
Jared H. Rivers, Bates College
Moderators: Marjorie Ireland, Westtown School & Frank Cabrera, Brooklyn Friends School
Highly Selective Colleges: Are They a Good Fit for You?
Session Description
How are highly selective colleges creating supportive communities on campus? Let’s talk about Fit and a sense of belonging.
Rachel Taylor, Columbia University
Calvin Wise, Johns Hopkins University
Donelle Durham, Vassar College
Christina Lopez, Barnard College
Chelsea “CC” Duncan, University of Virginia
Moderator: Suzi Nam, The Baldwin School
What’s Great About Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Session Description
Historically Black Colleges & Universities have a long history of educating and providing students with a sense of belonging, not only in school but also in the world. HBCU 21st Century!
Shanice Pereira, Lincoln University
Joy Gordy-Stith, Delaware State University
Kaneisha Keith, Delaware State University
Crystal Jones, Hampton University
Moderators: Wendy Brown, Westtown School & Thomas Butler, Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable
What’s Great About Visual and Performing Arts Colleges & Programs
Session Description
There are many majors and programs in the visual and performing arts. How are creative and performing arts schools creating a sense of belonging for all students?
Marin Brennan, Rhode Island School of Design
Victoria (Toy) Deiorio, Depaul University, The Theatre School
Laura Gregg, Savannah College of Art and Design
Joshua Weiss, Drexel University, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Moderator: Chris Wills, Westtown School
Beyond Westtown – What’s College Really Like?
Session Description
Recent alumni share their experiences with college admissions and campus life.
Presenters are recent alumni currently attending:
Davidson College
Spelman College
Swarthmore College
Tufts University
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania
Moderators: Jessica Smith & Celeste Payne, Westtown School
Student Session – Tackling the I in DEI: What Will “Inclusion” Look Like in College?
Session Description
Inclusion is defined as the state of including or being included within a group or structure. Colleges and universities are tasked with creating space, policy, and practices that fold in communities and customs not always considered a part of the foundation of their institutions. As a student on the brink of entering a new community and bringing your identity with you, how do you hope that your culture, beliefs, and backgrounds will be welcomed, supported, and included in your university?
College Fair Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How do parents/guardians register?
Parents are welcome to join! Please click the registration links on the schedule and use the Parents registration form.
How do counselors/professionals register?
Counselors and educators are welcome to join! Please click the registration links on the schedule and use the Counselor/Professionals registration form.
How do I join the sessions?
First, register for each session you want to attend.
Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your personalized link to join the Zoom session.
A reminder email and link will be sent again one day and one hour before the session begins.
Will sessions be recorded?
Yes. Sessions will be recorded and available on this page within a week after the program concludes.
We encourage you to participate live so you can ask questions and interact with the college admission counselors.
If you cannot attend live, you should still register for the session you’re interested in. This will allow the colleges in the session to follow up with you directly.
Can I participate in more than one session?
Yes! You are encouraged to register and attend multiple sessions to gain exposure to a range of different colleges and universities.
Consider signing up for sessions with colleges you may have never heard of before to explore the many opportunities available.
Is student information shared?
When you register for the college fair sessions, you are sharing your registration information only with colleges/institutions listed on that particular session and the sponsoring organization. Information is not being shared with colleges/institutions from the conference sessions.
StriveScan does not sell or share personally identifiable student information with any other third parties, in accordance with our strict Privacy Policy.
Learn more about StriveScan’s secure Privacy and Security practices.
Additional questions? Reach out to us at [email protected]