The Mobilizing Youth Summit is a two-day advocacy summit for young people aspiring to be changemakers.
This year's summit brings together 100 young people from across the southeastern region to engage with other youth advocates, city leaders, entrepreneurs, policy experts, and social activists.
Attendees will participate in immersive workshops, thought-provoking roundtables, and inspiring keynotes, all while building their network of fellow changemakers who are working toward change in their local communities.
About the MYSummit Weekend
The Mobilizing Youth Summit (MYSummit) aims to inspire and empower young changemakers aged 15-19 to harness the power of the present moment to advocate for positive social, environmental, and political change. By providing a platform for dialogue, skill-building, and collaboration, we aim to equip youth with the tools and resources they need to make a tangible impact in their communities.
“In my opinion, the most valuable part of MYSummit was the different breakout sessions… each session had its own unique focus and approach... I gained new insights and perspectives.”
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Who Should Apply
We encourage youth who meet the minimum requirements to apply and join the pipeline of future leaders who will impact communities across the state. Students of diverse backgrounds (including, but not limited to, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and income level) are especially encouraged to apply.
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Must be a resident of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Tennessee.
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High school or college student, age 15-19, with a passion for advocacy.
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Proven track record of leadership experience and school or community involvement.
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The ability to respectfully work with a wide range of groups and individuals, including LGBTQ+ persons; people of different cultural, religious, racial, and political backgrounds; and people with different abilities.
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Able to remain on-site for the entire duration of MYSummit, which is scheduled for June 12-14, 2026.
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4 plenary sessions, including a keynote address from an emerging youth advocate
Team-building and networking activities that will boost engagement and forge an unstoppable community of youth advocates
- Up to 10 thematic discussions and interactive breakout sessions involving a range of youth and adult partners
- An opportunity to work alongside local city leaders, entrepreneurs, policy experts, youth-serving organizations, and social activists to develop a community advocacy project proposal and pitch your idea for funding
- Tabling events with numerous representatives from across the state and a wide spectrum of industries
Thanks to philanthropic support from our generous sponsors, there is no cost to attend this event. Teen Health Mississippi will provide all participants with lodging and food.
Teen Health Mississippi may be able to provide travel stipends for any participant unable to attend due to limited funding for travel. Participants needing assistance with travel will need to indicate their needs on the registration form.
Admission to MYSummit is highly selective.
Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
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Thoughtful responses to written and interview questions that express interest in the program content.
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An array of extracurricular activities and/or personal achievements that denote intellectual curiosity, ability to collaborate, initiative and ambition, or diversity of interests and ideas.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Your investment helps equip young advocates with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to lead healthier, more vibrant communities. Together, we open doors for youth to step into leadership roles that bring innovation, heart, and lasting impact to our state.
Testimonials
"When I first arrived I didn’t expect to learn anything or take anything with me, I just wanted a getaway for the summer. As the days went by, I got to know more participants and I actually became engaged in the activities. I took many of the lessons and skills with me. I didn’t just leave MySummit with more knowledge. I left with experience and I am now connected to individuals that actually want to change their community and actually want to be engaged."
Lamyia Henley (MYSummit Participant)
“Waitt why is it shorter this year? 🥺”
Madison (Camp Counselor)
“I would love to say to you, please never give up and never step down. Never ever lose your passion or will because when you speak we can feel it!!!”
Jameelah (MYSummit Camp Counselor)
“Loved getting to participate in the summit and I am so glad I got to meet all of y’all. Thank you for having me.”
Jay (MYSummit Participant)
"In my opinion, the most valuable part of MYSummit was the different breakout sessions. Although they were all centered around the same theme, each session had its own unique focus and approach, which allowed me to explore different aspects of the topic and gain new insights and perspectives. I appreciated how each session was tailored to a specific area of interest or expertise, which made it easy for me to find the ones that were most relevant to my own interests and goals."
2024 MYSummit Attendee
"Beyond the Ballot was my favorite session because everything with Justin felt conversational. Nothing felt like a lecture or lesson, but instead a conversation. Our input mattered just as much as his did."
2024 MYSummit Attendee
“The (sneaker) gala was a phenomenal experience. It was nice to see everyone get all dressed up and enjoy each other’s company. Having DT as the keynote speaker also added wonderful energy to the night."
2024 MYSummit Attendee
"Narrative Momentum: The power of storytelling to thrive transformation" was my favorite advocacy session because it makes us understand that there is power in our story to transform!"