Dream Big Project
Student Success Conference
Find Your Path. Build Your Future.
Start here. What brings you to the conference?
About the event
The 1st Annual Dream Big Student Success Conference is a high-impact, half-day experience designed to prepare high school seniors for life after graduation.
Serving 200 students from Norwalk-La Mirada and surrounding communities.
Event details
- Date
- October 24, 2026 Saturday
- Time
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Getting there
Where it all happens
The venue
Norwalk High School
11356 Leffingwell RdNorwalk, CA 90650 Get driving directions
Saturday, October 24, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Tap the address or the button to open directions in your maps app.
Parking is the lot across the street from the school, for students, families and exhibitors alike. A detailed map is on the way.
A community partnership for student success
Working together to provide high school seniors and families with resources, connections, and opportunities for life after graduation.
Experience
What to expect
The experience
Core conference pillars
Keynote speaker
Inspiration from those who have paved the way.
Interactive workshops
Hands-on learning in sessions you choose.
Career insights
Real-world trade and career pathway advice.
Financial literacy
Money management and credit essentials.
Mental health
Support for life's big transitions.
Professional networking
Connect with mentors and industry leaders.
Workshop sessions
Deep dive breakouts
Eight 45-minute workshops for 20 to 40 students. Every workshop runs in all three sessions, so you can take them in whatever order suits you. Choose three different ones and you leave with three.
Finding Your Purpose
Explore your interests, strengths, and values to discover what motivates you and begin creating a meaningful path for your future.
Money, Credit, & Avoiding Debt
Learn practical strategies for managing money, building good credit, and avoiding financial mistakes that can follow you into adulthood.
Trade School & Skilled Careers
Discover hands-on career opportunities, trade schools, apprenticeships, and skilled careers that can lead to rewarding and well-paying futures.
Mental Health After Graduation
Learn how to recognize stress, protect your mental well-being, build healthy coping strategies, and find support as you transition into adulthood.
How to Succeed in Higher Education
Gain practical tips for navigating college, managing your time, advocating for yourself, using campus resources, and staying on track toward graduation.
Ask Me Anything Panel
Hear honest, real-world stories from professionals and young adults about life after high school, career choices, setbacks, success, and lessons they wish they knew at 18.
Creative Art & Exploration
Use creativity and artistic expression to explore your identity, discover new interests, and see how creative skills can connect to education, careers, and personal growth.
Building Healthy Relationships
Learn how to build respectful, supportive relationships while developing communication skills, boundaries, trust, and healthy conflict-resolution strategies.
Itinerary
Event schedule
- 9:00 AM
9:00 AM
Doors open & breakfast
Check-in, grab some food, and find your seat.
- 9:25 AM
9:25 AM
Dream Big welcome
Start the day with a Dream Big Welcome and review of the conference goals.
- 9:35 AM
9:35 AM
Opening keynote
Transition to an inspiring message about taking control of your future.
- 10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Workshop session 1
Attend your first selected breakout session.
- 11:00 AM
11:00 AM
Workshop session 2
Switch gears and attend your second chosen topic.
- 11:45 AM
11:45 AM
Lunch
Enjoy a catered lunch. The resource fair opens at 12:00 PM.
Break - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM
Resource fair opens
Meet colleges, trade schools, employers and community organizations. Open until 2:00 PM.
Open to families - 12:30 PM
12:30 PM
Workshop session 3
Turn it up and attend your final session of the conference.
- 1:15 PM
1:15 PM
Closing remarks and giveaways
Final thoughts, thank-yous to our sponsors, and the raffle giveaways.
Prizes - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM
Conference ends
The resource fair closes and the conference wraps at 2:00 PM.
Mentors
Meet your speakers
Miguel Wong Rivera
Dream Big welcome
Executive Director & Conference Coordinator, Dream Big Project.
Dr. Adrian Rios
Keynote speaker
Delivering an inspiring keynote about taking control of your future.
Dr. Jacqueline Sandoval
Panel speaker
Sharing expertise and insights on the Ask Me Anything panel.
Katherine Picazo
Panel speaker
Sharing expertise and insights on the Ask Me Anything panel.
Ray Simmons
Panel speaker
Sharing expertise and insights on the Ask Me Anything panel.
Victor Ramos
Panel speaker
Sharing expertise and insights on the Ask Me Anything panel.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is the conference free to attend?
Yes! The Student Success Conference is 100% free for all high school seniors. Seats are limited to 200 students and each workshop holds 40, so register early. Workshops fill on a first-come basis. Registration closes Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Will food be provided?
Absolutely. We will provide breakfast snacks in the morning and a fully catered lunch in the afternoon.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just bring yourself, a positive attitude, and maybe a notebook or your phone to take notes and exchange contact info with mentors.
Can parents attend?
This event is specifically tailored for high school seniors to encourage independent networking and learning. Parents are welcome to drop off and pick up their students. Parents will be able to have access to the resource fair from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
What should I wear?
Casual but neat! Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. School dress code rules apply.
Everything above is for students
Get involved
Workshop presenters, resource fair partners and sponsors, everything you need is on its own page.