jeff-johnson_web.jpgPEMBROKE PARK — A group of South Florida community organizations is uniting to host the 2012 South Florida Youth Summit for students in grades 6-12.

The aim of the free motivational conference is to provide a platform for youth empowerment in South Florida. The event will take place over three days, March 22-24, with activities spanning the tri-county area.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Cornel West, philosopher and professor at Princeton

University, and Jeff Johnson, award-winning journalist, so-cial activist and political commentator on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show. 

To register, visit SFyouthsummit.com  and/or follow on Twitter @SFYouthSummit.

Organizers say the South Florida Youth Summit will provide young people with inspiration and tools to set their paths on becoming bright academic and community stars. The event’s four basic elements are:

• Presentations: Nationally-recognized speakers will provide keynote addresses, and community experts will conduct break-out sessions on cutting-edge leadership development topics.

• Experiential Education Activities: Participants will be given the opportunity to learn by doing, which sparks interest and generates motivation to self-discovery.

• Networking Opportunities: Youth and adults will be given opportunities to share ideas, have fun, and meet local industry leaders.

• Training Sessions: Participants will learn strategies and methods to implement positive, productive activities in their schools and communities.

“Our inaugural summit creates a platform for our young people to foster personal and professional development, develop social consciousness and create goals and critical leadership skills to become ambassadors of our future,” stated Adrian Freeman, South Florida Youth Summit co-chairperson.

The summit schedule:

• Thursday, March 22, Dr. Cornel West featured at the “Distinguished Lecture Series,” 6 p.m. at Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Boca Raton Campus;

• Friday, March 23, political activist Jeff Johnson will lead the Youth Symposium at Miami Carol City High School in Miami Gardens;


• Saturday, March 24, the Youth Summit will be held at FAU in Davie.



 

Sponsors and partners include Florida Atlantic University, Miami Carol City High School, Shutts & Bowen LLP, L.E.A.D, Adrian Speaks International, JNICK Management Group, LLC, Urban League of Broward County (YPN), Florida Virtual School, Reaching U Network, Inc., Pompano Bech Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and Academic Concepts Tutoring.


IF YOU GO:

WHAT: 2012 South Florida Youth Summit

WHEN: March 22-24

WHERE: Venues spanning the tri-county region

COST: Free, space is limited

TO REGISTER: Visit SFyouthsummit.com 


Photo: Jeff Johnson