Dream on Purpose helps students plan their future at Cupcakes & Conversations: College Discoveries
Press release from Dream on Purpose
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Meet EuVanni Turner. At just 16 years old, Turner is making her mark as a junior at Dunnellon High School. A spirited cheerleader with a love for TikTok, she balances school pride with her creative side. Looking ahead, she plans to enroll in the armed forces after graduation, with the ultimate goal of continuing her education in college.
Turner is one of many youths preparing for the future by registering to attend Cupcakes & Conversations: College Discoveries this Saturday, September 6, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe College Charles L. Blount Center, 530 W. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601.
This free and interactive workshop provides middle and high school students — and their parents or guardians — an opportunity to engage with current college students and subject matter experts on financial aid, admissions, campus safety, budgeting, and more, while building confidence in their next steps after high school.
“Dream on Purpose created this event eight years ago with the objective of preparing youth and their parents/guardians for life after high school,” states President and Cofounder Shareen Baptiste. “Whether that includes attending a college or university, enlisting in the military, or pursuing a vocation/trade.”
This year’s Cupcakes & Conversations: College Discoveries is hosted by Dream on Purpose and Santa Fe College, in partnership with the Education Foundation of Alachua County, Greater Gainesville Chamber Foundation, Wagmore Foundation, and the Community Foundation of North Central Florida. The event features the following lineup:
- Keynote Address: Dr. Paul Broadie II, Santa Fe College President
- Rotary Youth Exchange Program Overview: Dan Rodkin, Santa Fe College Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Rotary Club of Gainesville Sunrise Director and Youth Services Chair
- Financial Aid: Nasseeka Denis, Education Equalizers Volunteer and Aces In Motion College and Career Coordinator
- Campus Admissions: Terrell Jenkins, Santa Fe Achieve Specialist and Pre-College Advisor, Santa Fe College Office of Admissions
- Campus Safety: Santa Fe College Police Department
- Dual Enrollment:
- Jen Homard, Ed.D., Santa Fe College Executive Director of Secondary Programs
- Vivian Graham, Santa Fe College Lead HSDE Advisement and Guidance Specialist
- Budgeting for College:
- Sean Johnson, Take Stock in Children of Alachua County Director
- Jaqualia Newsome, Take Stock in Children of Alachua County Program Assistant and Database Specialist
- Alissa Brady, The Education Foundation of Alachua County Student Success Intern
- Cindy Michel, VyStar Credit Union (North Central FL/Southern GA) Business Development Leader
- College Student Panel Members:
- Moderator Joanna Hunt, Santa Fe College
- Abigail “Abby” Bassett, Santa Fe College
- Ellissia Cooper, University of Florida
As a value-added feature, local organizations will exhibit resources and answer questions throughout the event. Exhibitors include The Education Foundation of Alachua County, Education Equalizers, Vystar Credit Union, Black Girlhood Collaborative, Santa Fe College’s Achieve, Dual Enrollment and Police Department, and the University of Florida Colleges of Nursing and Education.
“Each year, we meet incredible young people who are excited — but sometimes anxious — about what comes next after high school. This event is about giving them real knowledge, real support, and a community that believes in their future,” said Baptiste.
Turner has been attending Dream on Purpose events since the age of 11. Her journey reflects the resilience, leadership, and determination Dream on Purpose strives to cultivate in every young person who participates in its programs.
Celebrating 10 years of service, Dream on Purpose is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth to actualize their dreams by connecting them with local resources through interactive workshops and promoting positive socialization through structured forums.
Cupcakes & Conversations: College Discoveries is free and open to the public. While attending, guests will also have the opportunity to give the gift of life, with the LifeSouth Community Blood Centers’ bloodmobile onsite from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information or to register, visit dreamonpurpose.org/events or follow Dream on Purpose on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).