Conference aims to promote cultural diversity

KEARNEY, Neb. -- A university in central Nebraska is taking steps to attract a more diverse student body. 

The University of Nebraska at Kearney held its annual Nebraska Cultural Unity Conference on Friday. The daylong conference filled with workshops, meetings and discussions gathered more than 400 students from 14 different high schools. 

Diversity Outreach and Partnership Director Juan Carlos Guzman said the main goal is to expand the cultural diversity of the UNK Campus through this conference.

“This is a good way for us to promote higher education," Guzman said. "To give information about scholarships, financial aid and how to navigate the university system.”

The conference was held at the Younes Conferences Center and the majority of students in attendance had a latino background.

Guzman said that hopefully it will inspire students from under-represented groups to consider their options.

“We are hoping that the students are convinced that they can do something more after high school," he said. "Our goal is for them to consider four year institutions, community college or to join military services. Because all of military services would also have the opportunity to pay for their tuition, and then also because we’re aware, we are so aware that not everybody is going to have the opportunity right away. “

This is the 20th year anniversary since the conference started at UNK.