CofC to Host White House Initiative for Black Americans ‘Power Up’ Event Series

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will be on the College of Charleston campus as part of the Power Up event series that the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans and Discovery Education is holding Jan. 31–Feb. 2, 2024. College of Charleston students are encouraged to attend and/or volunteer for events taking place on campus.

Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education

This series consists of a collection of engagements in the Black community that will serve as critical touch points in advancing education, equity and economic opportunity best practices and resources. During this event, different federal agencies will be available to talk about the resources available to advance equity and economic opportunity in the Black community. This series is an effort to promote equitable access to resources that serve the needs of Black students, families and communities.

The event will have a conference-type schedule, as detailed below, and College of Charleston students are encouraged to register and attend the on-campus events, even if they cannot attend them all.

Wed., Jan. 31

10–11:30 a.m.: Faith and Community Leader Roundtable (Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture)

1:30–3:30 p.m.: Pep Rally, College Fair, and Youth Town Hall (Location TBD)

4:30–6 p.m.: Black Educator Roundtable (Burke High School)

4:30–6 p.m.: Federal Financial Aid Clinic (Burke High School)
Schedule a one-on-one session with a senior advisor from the U.S. Department of Education

4:30–6 p.m.: Family Engagement Session with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (Burke High School)

Thurs. Feb. 1

9 a.m.–3 p.m.: General Sessions and Workshops (Stern Student Center, College of Charleston)

Remarks from Senior Government Officials and Local Leaders, including Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona

Policy to the People: Black Male Engagement Panel

Conversation on Student Loan Debt Relief

Breakout Sessions (Black Innovation, STEM in the Classroom, and Unlocking Career Success)

Courageous Leaders Panel

Mental Health and Wellness Panel

11–11:50 a.m.: Leveraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Drive Generational Wealth Creation (Addlestone Library, Room 360)

11–11:50 a.m.: Unlocking Career Success (Addlestone Library, Room 227)

11–11:50 a.m.: STEM Industry in the Classroom (Stern Student Center Ballroom)

3–5 p.m.: Tours of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture (Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture)

5:30–7 p.m.: Career Fair (College of Charleston)

Fri., Feb. 2

10 a.m.–12 p.m. Higher Education Roundtable (Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture)

Students are also encouraged to volunteer for the events on Thursday, Feb. 1. These volunteer opportunities include:

8–9 a.m. – direct guests to the Stern Center

10:45–11 a.m. – walk guests from the Stern Student Center to Addlestone Library

Time TBD – introduce speakers

To volunteer, students must first register for the event, even if they can only attend for their volunteer role), and then complete the volunteer sign-up sheet.