First-year students Jennifer Beckwith, April Curley, and Genai Moore will attend the National Black Leadership Conference Jan. 6-9 in Virginia. Through leadership training and workshops, The National Black Leadership Conference strives to empower diverse students who attend predominantly white colleges and universities.

“I think it’s going to be very informative,” said Beckwith, a Columbia native. “You learn how to manage, lead, and be a part of your community.”

Networking opportunities at the conference often lead to internships and jobs, which is a plus for the hundreds of upperclassmen who attend. However, says Carroll F.S. Hardy, president of the Stuart Educational Leadership Group, the experience gives first-year students a head start.

“Freshmen are allowed to step out and test the water without any reprisal,” said Hardy. “They tend to ask many questions and are open to engaging in dialogue.”

Beckwith, Curley, and Moore are already considered leaders in the McDaniel community, according to Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Henry Reiff.

“I’ve been really impressed about the initiative these three first-year students have taken to get involved in the community since their arrival here,” Reiff said.

He’s referring to their mentoring work with the Boys and Girls Club of Westminster. Curley, a History major, says she volunteers with children because she wants to be a teacher.

“Most of the kids who attend the Boys and Girls Club in this area are African American, and it’s good for them to have someone to look up to of their own race,” Curley said.

The offer to attend the conference was presented through the Office of Multicultural Services.