COBA Participates in CALAHE Youth Summit at Eastern Connecticut State University
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA) participated in the Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education (CALAHE) Youth Summit hosted at Eastern Connecticut State University in collaboration with Elite Tertiary Education Consulting (ETEC). The annual conference brought together high school and college students, educators, and community organizations from across Connecticut to promote access to higher education and student success.
The summit featured workshops and discussions focused on critical topics including financial aid, networking, mental health, self care, and guidance for parents navigating the college process. COBA’s presence at the event reflected its commitment to exposing students to academic opportunities and resources that support life beyond athletics.
Event Details
During the opening session, Eastern President Karim Ismaili welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of resilience and self belief in the college journey. He noted that the conference theme, “Empowering Minds for Success,” aligned closely with the mission of both Eastern and CALAHE, an organization that has supported students across the state for more than four decades.
The keynote address was delivered by Mariana Serrano, a health sciences and nursing lecturer at Eastern. Drawing from her experience as a first generation Afro Latina college graduate, Serrano shared her presentation titled “The Power of T.I.M.E.” She introduced attendees to four principles designed to support self discovery and mindfulness: thankfulness, inspiration, meditation, and exercise.
Throughout the day, students participated in interactive workshops and engaged with representatives at a college fair featuring institutions from the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, the University of Connecticut, and Albertus Magnus College. These sessions provided valuable insight into academic programs, admissions pathways, and campus support services.
The event concluded with a student panel where current college students spoke candidly about their experiences, offering advice on time management, mental health, and navigating the challenges of higher education. The open dialogue reinforced the importance of peer support and representation in college spaces.
Commitment to Youth
CALAHE continues to play a vital role in advocating for access, retention, and success for Latino students across Connecticut’s colleges and universities. For COBA students, attending the summit was an opportunity to see themselves reflected in higher education spaces and to gain tools that support long term academic and personal growth.
