Upward Bound students meet local professionals at Taking the Next Steps conference

12 Stones, Inc. joined forces with the Memphis chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) to present “Taking the Next Steps”, a conference for Southwest Upward Bound juniors and seniors, last month at the Union Avenue Campus. 12 Stones, Inc is a community non-profit organization of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church that provides workshops on career readiness and financial preparation. The conference featured successful entrepreneurs and professionals in aircraft mechanics, criminal law, real estate, communications and graphic design who presented a series of workshops for the students and participated in a panel discussion.

The Upward Bound students benefitted from a range of conference topics that emphasized the importance of making good choices now, including financial literacy, FAFSA completion, scholarship research, protecting yourself from student loan debt, how to start your own business to become your own boss and choosing a career. Southwest Upward Bound Director Quita Pope-Warren says Southwest was honored to co-sponsor the conference with 12 Stones and NCBW. “It was especially an honor for me since I am also a member of NCBW,” she said.