The Inter-Tribal Education Collaborative (ITEC) presented the 5th Annual College Exploration Day at the University of California, Irvine, on February 2, 209. The conference brought together Native American elementary, middle, high school, transfer, and returning adult students and families to increase awareness of opportunities available through higher education. Colleges, universities, and tribal organizations across Southern California were united in this effort to collectively move the Native American community towards a better future. USC community members were on hand to tell prospective students about campus life and program opportunities. USC Alum Dr. Natalie Weeks-O’Neal served as keynote speaker at the big event (pictured above). She graduated from USC in 2006 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. In her keynote address titled “Turning Dream to Reality,” Dr. Weeks-O’Neal urged students to set smart goals for their immediate future, and to honor their ancestors and communities through future work. She was introduced by Karras Wilson, USC’s Director of Native American Student Outreach & Recruitment (pictured below).
