2026 Youth Leadership Summit
Liberatory Consciousness & Leadership
Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders Through College Readiness, Civic Engagement, and Community Impact
Designed for 6th-12th Grade Students
About the Summit
The ProjectHBCU Youth Leadership Summit is an annual leadership experience designed to inspire, equip, and empower students in grades 6 through 12 to become confident leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond. Rooted in the belief that leadership begins with purpose, the summit brings together students from across the country for two days of learning & Community Impact.
The 2026 theme, Liberatory Consciousness and Leadership, invites students to examine the relationship between leadership, justice, and community responsibility.
Day 1 is focused on Youth & Collegiate Leadership With Dr. Eos Trinidad as our Keynote Address
Day 2 is Focused on Community & Civic Engagement with Mayor Jayden L. Williams of Stockbridge, GA as the Keynote Address.
Day 1 Agenda: Collegiate & Academic Leadership
Day 1 Agenda: Collegiate & Academic Leadership
Welcome from Project HBCU leadership, summit overview, introduction to the theme, and student engagement activities, as well as Introducing Keynote Speakers.
Opening Ceremony & Icebreaker
July 16,2026
10AM PST/ 12PM CST/ 1PM EST
Dr. Eos Trinidad Assistant Professor at UC Berkeley School of Education will deliver an address surrounding understanding self, community, & organizing leadership.
Keynote Address
July 16,2026
10:30-11:15 AM PST/ 12:30-1:15 PM CST/ 1: 30 -2:15 PM EST
Panel discussion featuring HBCU alumni, student leaders, Divine Nine members, and academic professionals.
Youth Leadership in the Academy
July 16,2026
11:15-12 PM PST/ 1:15 PM-2 PM CST/ 2:15 PM-3 PM EST
July 16,2026
12-1 PM PST/2-3PM CST/ 3-4PM EST
Take a Break Eat, Ground, or Network
Lunch Break
Interactive workshop focused on leadership, empathy, advocacy, fairness, and youth voice.
Workshop: Power, Voice, & Autonomy
July 16,2026
1 PM-2:15 PM PST/3-4:15PM CST/ 4-5:15PM EST
Panel discussion featuring HBCU alumni, student leaders, Divine Nine members, and academic professionals.
Leadership Simulation & Debate:
School Policy Challenge
July 16,2026
2:15-3:15 PM PST/4:15-5:15 PM CST/ 5:15-6:15PM EST
Day 2 Agenda: Community & Civic Engagement
Day 2 Agenda: Community & Civic Engagement
Interactive review of Day 1 concepts & Introduction to Day 1
Morning Recap & Leadership Energizer
July 17,2026
10AM PST/ 12PM CST/ 1PM EST
May Jayden L. Williams the Youngest Black Mayor in Georgia is to deliver the Keynote address for Day 2, focused on community leadership advocacy, organizing, & Youth Impact
Keynote Address
July 17,2026
10:30-11:15 AM PST/ 12:30-1:15 PM CST/ 1: 30 -2:15 PM EST
Students will be introduced to our College Access & Preparation Program designed for 11th & 12th Grade High School Students Pursuing a Higher Education
CAPP Program Recap & Introduction
July 17,2026
11:15-12 PM PST/ 1:15 PM-2 PM CST/ 2:15 PM-3 PM EST
Lunch Break
Take a Break Eat, Ground, or Network
July 17,2026
12-12:45 PM PST/2-3:45PM CST/ 3-4:45PM EST
Students collaborate in groups to design community or school leadership projects that they will be able to take with them & implement in their schools/ communities.
Youth Change Project Lab
July 17,2026
12:45 PM-2:00 PM PST/3:45-4:00PM CST/ 4:45-5:00PM EST
Community Leadership Crisis Simulation & Closing Ceremony
Leadership simulation, student presentations, scholarship announcements, and summit closing ceremony.
July 17,2026
2:15-3:15 PM PST/4:15-5:15 PM CST/ 5:15-6:15PM EST
D9 Community Service & Leadership in the Academy
Students Will Gain
Leadership Development
Civic Engagement
Netowkring
Mentorship
Community Service
Scholarship Opportunities
Contact US
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