Princeton University Hosts HISPA’s Final Youth Conference of the 2025–2026 Academic Year
PRINCETON, NJ – On June 3, 2026, HISPA proudly concluded its sixth and final Youth Conference of the 2025-2026 academic year at Princeton University, welcoming 85 eighth-grade students from Grace A. Dunn Middle School in Trenton and PACE Charter School in Hamilton, New Jersey.
Co-sponsored by Princeton University’s Office of Human Resources and Office of the Provost, the conference was part of HISPA’s signature Youth Conference series, themed “Take Action! Achieve Your Dreams.” Designed to inspire college aspiration and career exploration, Youth Conferences connect students with accomplished professionals, college students, and role models who reflect their backgrounds and experiences.
For many participants, the event marked their first visit to a university campus. Through meaningful interactions with academic and corporate leaders, students gained firsthand exposure to higher education and the wide range of opportunities available to them beyond high school.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse, Founder and CEO of HISPA; Ariel D. Matos, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Programs and Director of the Princeton Junior Summer Institute at Princeton University; and Dr. Michelle Hernandez, HISPA Board Member and Director of Occupational Toxicology at Merck.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Roberto Tejada Arevalo of Princeton University’s Department of Astrophysical Sciences. Speaking about perseverance and ambition, Dr. Tejada Arevalo encouraged students to pursue their goals fearlessly, reminding them that “the journey will be difficult. There will be challenges. But with perseverance, with courage, you can reach out to the stars and to the planets.”
Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on STEM career exploration workshops led by leading corporate and academic partners, including “Candy Tablet Dissolution & Coating Challenge” presented by Bristol Myers Squibb, “Let’s Do Some Experiments!” presented by Merck, “Edison Robot and Coding Workshop” presented by Passaic County Community College students and AT&T, and “Introduction to Networks” presented by Verizon. These interactive sessions introduced students to real-world STEM challenges while highlighting the college majors and career pathways available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The conference concluded with a college student panel, “Life After High School,” moderated by Kevin Lizama, Northeast Regional School Manager at HISPA. Student panelists Isabel Lopez, Isabella Escobar, Anyelo Cruz, and Syra Bhatt shared their personal journeys to college, offering practical advice and encouragement to students preparing for the transition to high school and beyond.
“HISPA Youth Conferences help students envision a future they can achieve,” said Dr. Díaz-Claisse. “By connecting young people with relatable role models and providing meaningful exposure to college and careers, we help bridge the gap between where students are today and where they can go tomorrow.”
HISPA extends its deepest gratitude to Princeton University, its corporate and academic partners, and the many volunteers who continue to make these experiences possible, including PSEG and the Latino Princetonians. Their commitment to empowering the next generation ensures that students know they have a community of supporters invested in their success.
HISPA also thanks PNC and HESAA for generously providing student goody bags, giving participants a memorable reminder of a day dedicated to inspiration, discovery, and possibility.
HISPA’s educational programs are made possible by its 2025-26 Founding Partner Verizon, Co-founding Partners and Supporters Bloomberg, Bristol Myers Squibb, the Delta Dental Foundation, and Merck, and Annual Partners Amazon, Bank of America, Citi, the LSEG Foundation, Prudential Financial, and Visa. HISPA is a UnidosUS affiliate.
