Imagine what it sounds like when more than 1300 kids skip school for a downtown dance party at Devos Place.
It’s the kickoff to the “Above the Influence” Youth Summit, a safe space for students to share conversations with peers on serious topics, and attend workshops led by students like B.J. Kimbele from Vista Charter Academy.
“It’s called Prime and it’s about brotherhood and how siblings can help you through everything.”
“Student leaders actually crafted this theme. They are wanting to hear our stories, the adults in their world. Contrary to what we think about teenagers, they are actually curious about our lived experiences, and they’ve crafted questions and created all these things to try to pull out of presenters what they want to know.”
Organizer Nadia Kimble says this event is about supporting dreams, viewing all students as limitless opportunities.
“Sometimes when you’re talking to teens, you feel shut out or shut down. They don’t want to hear the lectures, but they are really listening. I want us to continue to advocate for them and create space for them to share their voices.”
