College of the Canyons and the William S. Hart Union School District are hosting an event at COC that is intended to inspire individuals working with students.

Local educators, employers and parents are invited to attend the presentation by Mark Perna an author, education expert and motivational speaker during one of two sessions designed to inspire individuals currently working with Generation Y and Z students.

Considered a national expert in education enrollment, retention and performance, Perna’s presentation will seek to unleash passion, purpose and performance in students by helping attendees understand how to best give those same students a competitive advantage by expanding the educational options and opportunities available to them.

“I have attended several of Mark’s presentations over the years,” said Harriet Happel, Director of Career and Technical Education at COC. “I guarantee that attendees will leave this event feeling encouraged and empowered to take the journey with our Generations Y and Z students to inspire them to greater performance in all areas of life.”

Through Perna’s ongoing work with educational and business organizations, he has recognized the distinct issues that younger generations are continually faced with, and in response, has developed several best practices for addressing them.

“These proven strategies, pioneered through years of experience with educational organizations of all sizes, will change the game for educators and the students they seek to serve,” said Perna.

Perna’s speaking points are set to reflect those expressed in his upcoming book “Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generation.”

Perna’s presentation is scheduled to take place Friday, Aug. 10 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons. A morning session will run from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by an afternoon presentation from 1 to 3 p.m.

A book signing is scheduled for immediately after both sessions.

This event is free and open to the public, with parking available in college lots 2, 4, 5, 13, 14 and 15.

This event is being hosted through a partnership with College of the Canyons and the William S. Hart Union High School District, with funding provided by a California Career Pathways Trust Grant.

Ed. Note: This information was provided to KHTS by College of the Canyons.

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