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First taste of college: St. Pete Strong conference inspires future scholars

By Cliff McBride, University Communications and Marketing

USF St. Petersburg was host to around 500 Pinellas County middle and high schoolers for a one-day youth conference that sparked interest in science and art fields while introducing many to the college experience. 
 
The St. Pete Strong Youth Conference took place on June 30, where students got the opportunity to engage in robotics demonstrations, practice “Shark-Tank” business pitches, tour research vessels, learn to write songs and more.  
 
Organized by the Dreamfaith Foundation and its founder Deonte Thompson, the conference celebrated its 10th year of empowering youth in the community with new experiences. A major goal is to help students envision themselves on a college campus and begin thinking about career opportunities.  
 
Thompson, a computer executive who lives in Texas, comes back every year to his native St. Petersburg for the conference, driven by his belief in the power of education to change lives.   
 
“Seeing a room full of faces and their eyes light up when they see something they have not seen before, hear something they have not heard before, it makes my heart smile,” he said. 

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