Santa Fe College’s Freedom to Learn program will host a symposium on Friday, Oct. 16, focused on helping students with unique challenges reenter the workforce and overcome barriers to education and employment.
The Freedom to Learn Symposium will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Blount Center Campus, DB-110, 530 W. University Ave., Gainesville. The morning program is open to anyone interested in attending, according to the SF release.
The symposium will focus on housing and obstacles some students encounter because of past legal issues. Community members will also participate in discussions about efforts outside the college to help students overcome those challenges.
“The annual Freedom to Learn Symposium presents an opportunity for SF faculty, staff and students to connect with the community to consider important challenges that justice-impacted persons face, particularly as it pertains to their attending college,” said Shelby Mikkelson, program specialist with Freedom to Learn, in the release.
The morning agenda includes a keynote speaker and question-and-answer session, followed by panels featuring Santa Fe College and Freedom to Learn students, as well as community resources. The program will conclude with a group discussion and lunch before closing remarks.
Symposium schedule
- 9 a.m. — Welcome
- 9:15 a.m. — Keynote speaker and Q&A
- 10 a.m. — Santa Fe College and Freedom to Learn student panel
- 11 a.m. — Resource panel
- Noon — Group discussion and lunch
- 12:45 p.m. — Closing
Following the symposium, Santa Fe College will host an employment workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. The workshop is designed specifically for justice-impacted individuals who need assistance with resumes or guidance on discussing their criminal backgrounds with hiring managers.
The afternoon workshop is intended for a targeted audience and will provide participants with hands-on assistance as they navigate their employment searches.
The symposium and workshop are part of Santa Fe College’s efforts to connect students with community resources and support services as they pursue education, employment and greater economic opportunity.