Two new offerings by the Workforce Development Resource Center's Youth Opportunity Program have one common theme - diversity.

The People-to-People Conference and "Girls' Night Out" meetings are two different ways of striving towards the same goal, said Robert Pleasant Jr., coordinator of the Youth Opportunity Program.

"Both look at understanding diversity," he said. "Diversity is a wonderful thing and should be celebrated."

About 100 high school students will get a break from their regular studies Wednesday to meet new people and talk with their peers about tolerance, race, biases and other issues in People-to-People Conference at Ohio University Southern.

"The whole idea is for students to learn how to create an inclusive environment," Pleasant said. "Race, religion, tolerance, socioeconomic issues, sexism, harassment are just some of the topics that will be discussed. You name it and we are going to talk about it."

The one-day program will last from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is designed to allow the students to lead the discussions themselves making the experience more interactive and hands-on than just siting there listening to lectures by adults, he said.

Students from Chesapeake, South Point, Rock Hill, Ironton, St. Joseph and Collins Career Center will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Mains Rotunda before being split into smaller groups.

Pleasant said all Lawrence County schools have been supportive but Fairland and Symmes Valley recently decided not to participate because so many days were missed due to weather.

People-to-People is sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Workforce Development Resource Center's Youth Opportunity Program and OUS.

Overall, Pleasant said that if people take anything away from the day

he hopes it is that "our differences, no matter what they are, do not have to be deficiencies. All of us come from unique backgrounds and bring something different to the table."

The teachers who accompany the students will also have a discussion group of their own. Pleasant said anyone from the community who wished to attend the adult session could contact him to reserve a spot.

Also focusing on similar themes such as diversity, self-esteem and work ethic, the "Girls Night Out" program hosts bimonthly meetings that try to provide women from age 14 to 21 a safe discussion forum. The next meeting will celebrate Women's History Month with a special guest.

Carrie Cline, WSAZ Channel 3 news anchor, will be the guest speaker for Friday's 6 p.m. session It will be at the Workforce Development Resource Center, 120 N. Third Street and will be open to women between the ages of 14 and 21.

"It is a great opportunity for other young females to come and hear her story," Pleasant said. "Hopefully, they can take something from that and use it for inspiration in their own lives."

Anyone who has questions about either program can call Pleasant at 532-3140.