CALL

FOR

PROPOSALS

The Proposal Deadline is October 17, 2011

Track I: Rising above the Hurdles of the Justice System in America
Even after a young African American or Latino male has paid his debt to society he is still denied equal opportunity in such as the right to vote, the opportunity to pursue higher education with federal financial aid, and fair and equal treatment in the employment market, among other opportunities. This track invites presentations about the legal and judicial systems and how those two systems impact young men of color.  What can African-American and Latino males expect should they experience a run-in with the legal system?  What recourse and resources are available to them once involved in the justice system?  We invite experts in the justice system to address these and other issues.

Track II: The Key  Hurdle: Opening the Doors to Higher Education
There are many important skills that all young men and women must master to be able to open doors to their futures, but the challenges facing African American and Latino males when they try to master those skills become major barriers to success.   This track addresses academic hurdles African American and Latino men face to enroll and complete a college degree and pursue a professional career path.  Educators, counselors, and community leaders often are the critical first point of contact for young men of color to begin to explore their options.  Presenters are welcome to share proven, successful programs and inspirational initiatives that will engage the audience as well as tackle a conversation about the adversity young men face.  

Track III: Hurdling Obstacles to participation in Business and Entrepreneurship
In American the major forces of financial success have long been promoted in the business community. Presenters will inform and motivate attendees to consider options in entrepreneurship and business that maybe the future to success for African American and Latino males.  They will also explore alternative careers that are traditionally underrepresented by African American and Latino males.Presenters will highlight entrepreneurial opportunities such as nano technology, digital engineering, and information technology as well as others.

Track IV: The Final Hurdle:  Self Empowerment  - Framing the Future
I made it because someone told me I matter and took the time.” This statement is indicative of the thoughts of the many students who have attended BBCB in the past. This track provides the opportunity for practitioners to highlight individual testimonials and inspirational stories that have served as a source of influence and triumph. These stories will expand on what personal choices, characteristics and behaviors do African American, and Latino males need to consider and possess in order to prepare for their future? In this track students are allowed to explore, discuss and reflect on self-empowerment and the hurdles that could potentially prevent them from achieving personal and career goals for the future.   

SESSION FORMATS: 
Concurrent Sessions
A concurrent session offers the opportunity to present on a topic or program and discuss its relevance and applicability to colleagues and /or students.    The goal is to provide attendees with information and tools to improve their programs.  Attendees expect high quality presentations that can apply to their own work and be used to increase their effectiveness.  Each session will last 75 minutes we ask presenters to reserve at least 10 to 15 minutes at the end of the session for audience questions.   
Roundtables
A round table session is an informal session. In most cases, the discussion will be about a work in progress intended to advance, enhance, or share information about research.   Roundtables are best suited for small group discussions.   The presenter has 20-25 minutes to share material then participants can move to another table.  Presenters are expected to bring copies of their summaries and to remain available for discussion throughout the session. No Audiovisual equipment is available. 
Posters
Poster sessions use graphic displays and visual aids (charts, graphs, tables etc.) to informally present innovative, successful solutions to issues related to the summit theme or present the findings of a unique research project pertaining to African American and Latino Males.  A brief abstract-in large print- of the paper should form part of the display.   Presenters should have copies of summaries available.  

EVALUATION CRITERIA: 

• Relevance of the presentation to the conference theme and selected track. 
• Content that is current and practical, cutting edge or innovative as it relates to the theme of the conference·        
• Programs and initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact and results in the field
• Present exemplary programs or best practices that can be adopted or adapted by others?
• Presentations, which describe what participants will be able to do upon completion of the session, must be included
• Clarity of objectives and intended outcomes of the session
• Expertise of the presenters in the field