Bloomingdale students recently had the opportunity to attend the 2026 ALSAME Youth Conference at Western Michigan University, joining hundreds of high school students from across Southwest Michigan and beyond for a day focused on college, careers, and future opportunities.
Hosted by ALSAME, the conference gave students a firsthand look at life after high school while helping them explore pathways to reach their personal and academic goals.
Throughout the day, students participated in breakout sessions covering topics such as college planning, career exploration, resilience, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and self-advocacy. Sessions encouraged students to think confidently about their futures while learning practical tools to help them succeed.
The conference also featured a keynote presentation from Monteze O. Morales, whose message emphasized leadership, perseverance, and the importance of embracing personal identity as a strength.
In addition to attending workshops, Bloomingdale students explored the college fair, connected with representatives from universities and programs across the state, toured the WMU campus, and experienced campus life firsthand by dining in the student center cafeteria.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of ALSAME scholarships to deserving seniors, recognizing students for their hard work, leadership, and dedication to continuing their education.
The day provided Bloomingdale students with valuable insight, inspiration, and encouragement as they begin planning for life after graduation. Thank you to ALSAME and Western Michigan University for hosting such an impactful experience for students across Michigan.