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Admission

Welcome to EmpowerED SCU 2025!

Join Santa Clara University for EmpowerED, a program designed for students to explore the different post-high school opportunities waiting for them. From college, to trade school, to starting in the workforce, everyone has their own unique path to success. Learn how a Santa Clara education can fit into your goals and help you achieve your aspirations. Attendance is open to all students. First-generation students and those from underrepresented communities are encouraged to attend. Dream big with SCU!

EmpowerED SCU is happening on Saturday, May 17!
Register TODAY!

Saturday, May 17

8:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.
Check-In and Breakfast

Check-in will be outside of the Locatelli Center. A light breakfast will be provided after you’ve checked in. You can continue eating throughout the seated morning sessions described below.

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Morning Sessions

Welcome Speeches

Hipnotik Performance

Special dance performance by SCU’s competitive hip hop team, Hipnotik.

Keynote Address

Speech given by Santa Clara University Senior, Hydeia Wysinger

Icebreaker Activity

Get to know the other students attending EmpowerED!

Ballet Folklorico Performance

Special dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de SCU

Mock Application Review with Randy Wang

Randy Wang, Senior Associate Director of Strategic Engagement in Santa Clara University’s Office of Undergraduate Admission, will be going over mock applications and giving advice on how to make your college application stand out

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Afternoon Rotation

The group will be split in half at this point, half will go to the resource fair before returning to hear the Rocket Science presentation, the other group will hear the presentation before going to the fair.

Rocket Science Presentation by AJ Williams

Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Santa Clara University, AJ Williams- “It Ain't Rocket Science: College Counseling for Everyone”

Resource Fair

Network with local college admission counselors and representatives from various organizations to learn about the wide variety of post-high school opportunities available for you.

1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Closing Address

Speech given by Santa Clara University Senior, Alex Lopes

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Optional Campus Tour

If you choose to stay for this section of the programming, you will receive a tour of Santa Clara University by current students who can answer any questions you may have about going to SCU.  Offered in both English and Spanish.

Meet Your Keynote Speakers

  • Alexandre Lopes
    Bio: Hi! My name is Alexandre Lopes and I’m a senior here at SCU where I major in Computer Science and Engineering. I’m originally from Trabuco Canyon, California in Southern California. During my time here at Santa Clara, I have been involved in a number of things, but mainly I am a member of our Imaginarium lab, a member of the University Honors Program, and a member of a few clubs here on campus. While at Santa Clara, I also have had the privilege of enjoying many opportunities like studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain.
  • Hydeia Wysinger
    Bio: Hydeia Wysinger ’25 is a Psychology and Public Health major with minors in Religious Studies and Political Science from El Sobrante, California. On campus, she is involved in the MultiCultural Center, serving as Co-Chair of Igwebuike (Black Student Union); a Hackworth Fellow, serving as the student director of the Campus Ethics Team; a research assistant in the psychology and public health department; a student assistant for New Student and Parent Programs in the Center for Student Involvement; a Program Coordinator in SCCAP, and an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador. After completing her undergraduate studies, she intends to pursue a Master’s degree to focus on adolescent mental health as well as health psychology. In her spare time she loves to read, journal, travel and spend quality time with friends and family.

Meet Your EmpowerED SCU Planning Committee

  • Lizbeth Arreola Aguilar '27

    Hometown: San Jose, CA
    Majors:     Political Science and Philosophy
    Advice for students    : Whether you think you can, or you can't you're right, don't give up so easily, you got this!
    Song that brings me joy:     We're all in this Together - High School Musical (the musical the series)

  • Jocelyn Madrigal '26

    Hometown: Watsonville, CA
    Major and Minor    : Biology with a Spanish Studies Minor
    Advice for students    : Don't be afraid to get involved in college! Participating in extracurricular activities that you love will open doors to meeting new people, creating amazing memories, and will make your college experience even more fulfilling!
    Song that brings me joy:     Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido -  Karol G

  • Hydeia Wysinger '25

    Hometown: El Sobrante, CA
    Majors and Minors    : Psychology and Public Health Majors, Religious Studies and Political Science Minors
    Advice for students    : Take time to really explore the schools you're considering. Explore more into what they offer, what student life is like, and what makes each one unique. Remember, you're not just trying to get accepted! You're finding the place where you'll thrive.
    Song that brings me joy:     Apple - Charli xcx