College Success Conferences (2025-2026)
COFEM’s Annual Higher Education Conference is designed to provide first-generation college students from the underserved rural Eastern Coachella Valley, along with their parents or guardians, with the tools needed to successfully facilitate their transition from high school to college. The event includes student-focused workshops addressing common challenges such as financial planning, completing the FAFSA application, developing executive functioning skills such as time management and course planning, and the importance of mental health throughout college. Parents and guardians also have the opportunity to join workshops that cover financial planning, strategies to support their students emotionally and academically, and ways to cultivate their mental health during their higher educational journey. We encourage parents to take an active role, sharing the responsibilities of the application process, and supporting their students through this transitional phase.
The Higher Education Conference also features a resource fair and keynote speakers who are esteemed community leaders. Their insights and experiences are meant to inspire and motivate students for their educational journey. Additionally, a panel of local college students share their experiences navigating the higher education process. During this conference, COFEM announces scholarship recipients, and provides some students with brand new laptops and gift cards.
