Beating the Odds Conference

The Beating the Odds Conference: is an all day conference held on Laurier’s Waterloo campus for high school students to boost their aspirations for achieving higher education. As a means of combating statistics quoting students of African descent have a 70% drop-out rate in the Waterloo region, our members and community supporters work relentlessly to bring professionals and other university students to Laurier to facilitate workshops and keynote presentations that create an atmosphere of empowerment and motivation.

In past years we have had workshops on; identity, business, leadership, the next steps after high school and more. Our keynote speakers are professionals in their field and have a passion and/or relevant experience to inspiring young people. The workshops offered by professionals of African-descent and Laurier students strive to benefit the students by offering them valuable information that will help to propel them into a successful future.

Our Annual Conference continues to grow as we register over 100 students each year to attend.

Our conference is held every February, contact abs@wlu.ca for more details.