A Space to Belong

Affinity spaces for students hold immense significance in fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and personal development. These spaces are pivotal in providing a supportive environment where students with shared identities, backgrounds, or interests can come together, connect, and thrive.

The County Office of Education's student affinity conferences utilize the arts as a catalyst to inspire students to contemplate their postsecondary goals, even if those goals are not specifically related to the arts. Not only are the arts integrated into various career fields—from math to STEM, education to politics—they are restorative, transformative, and inspirational.

Registration is Now Open!

The County Office of Education is hosting Imagining Possible Futures, its first annual Afrofuturism Student Conference for San Mateo County students in grades 6-12 who identify as Black. Learn more about the event and register to attend below.

Students looking happy

Upcoming Conferences

Afrofuturism Student Conference: Imagining Possible Futures

April 27, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Learn about Afrofuturism, participate in art-based workshops with professional artists, and build community with other students just like you! This arts-based student conference will inspire you to think about your future and envision yourself achieving your goals in life. The conference will be led by adults and teaching artists who also identify as Black and will inspire and ignite your interests and imagination.

Learn More

Save the Date 

September 2024: Latino(a)(x)/Hispanic Student Conference

November 2024: Indigenous Student Conference

Zoni Boyer

Coordinator, Center for Access and Engagement

Email: zboyer@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5639

Allison Gamlen

Coordinator, Visual and Performing Arts

Email: agamlen@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5335