EVERETT — More than 1,000 Snohomish County middle and high school students will learn about higher education and career options at the 10th annual Students of Color Career Conference March 29 at Everett Community College.

Local professionals in more than 20 fields will talk with students about career options and encourage them to continue their education. Students can select up to three career panels, attend the career and education fair, and get information about college admission and financial aid.

All students are welcome to attend, but pre-registration is required via school counselors. To register, students should contact their counselors.

The keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Derek Greenfield, Ph.D., director of the Office of Diversity and Equity Engagement and an assistant sociology professor at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. He is also an author, motivational speaker and youth advocate, and has been providing training to EvCC student leaders for 10 years.

The goal of the conference is to inspire middle and high school students of color to expand their education and career goals, according to Karena Hooks, EvCC director of outreach and diversity.

Hooks explained that students of color in Snohomish County are disproportionately affected by poverty and reduction in resources, which contribute to low retention and graduation rates.

“We want students to leave the conference believing in the possibilities of a ‘Yes I can’ attitude, and knowing that help is available to them,” said Bill Reed, an EvCC accounting instructor and co-founder of the conference.

The conference is co-sponsored by the city of Everett, Snohomish County, and Everett and Marysville public schools.

For more information, visit www.everettcc.edu/soccc.