On March 2, 2025, the Deep Center hosted its annual Youth Summit at the John Delaware Community Center in Savannah, Georgia. This year’s event marked a transformative shift towards a more inclusive and youth-driven format, emphasizing the theme of “Meaningful Learning” and fostering peer-to-peer connections among participants.
A Summit Designed by Youth, for Youth
Departing from traditional conference structures, the 2025 Youth Summit was meticulously crafted by Deep’s Action Research Team (ART), a dedicated group of youth leaders. The goal for this year’s summit was to create an environment where attendees could openly share experiences, learn from one another, and discuss topics often overlooked in conventional educational settings. Adam Phillips, an ART member, highlighted the significance of this approach, stating, “There’s a lot of conversations that are easier to have and important to have as youth… This is a really great space for youth to share and learn from each other.”
Engaging Activities and Workshops
The summit offered a diverse array of activities designed to cater to the varied interests of the attendees:
- Roundtable Discussions: Participants engaged in conversations exploring personal definitions of meaningful learning and strategies to enhance inclusivity and curiosity both inside and outside the classroom.
- Skill-Building Sessions: Youth-led workshops provided practical guidance on topics such as scholarship hunting, college application processes, and organizing student-led initiatives.
- Wellness Activities: Attendees had the opportunity to participate in yoga sessions, art projects, and a clothing swap, promoting self-expression and well-being.
These activities not only equipped participants with valuable skills but also fostered a sense of community and mutual support.
Empowering Youth Voices
Central to the summit’s philosophy was the empowerment of young voices in shaping their educational experiences. By facilitating open dialogues and peer-led sessions, ART leadership aimed to challenge traditional educational paradigms and advocate for a system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the youth. Megan Ave’Lallemant, Associate Director of Transformative Culture at Deep Center, emphasized this commitment, stating, “We at Deep are invested in not only listening to young people, but making sure that they have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that will impact them and their families.”
A Resounding Success
The 2025 Youth Summit concluded with participating youth sharing affirmations, self-care tips, and expressions of gratitude for the connections made and insights gained. The event not only provided a platform for meaningful engagement but also reinforced the importance of youth-led initiatives in driving positive change within communities. Reflecting on the summit’s impact, the Deep Center expressed, “That’s a wrap folks – we are closing out the 2025 Youth Summit with some affirmations, some self-care tips, and a whole lotta love for our community!”
The 2025 Youth Summit exemplified the power of entrusting young individuals with the agency to define and pursue meaningful learning, fostering a generation of empowered and connected youth ready to lead and inspire.We can’t wait until Youth Summit 2026!
To see the full album of photos from the day, click here.
To learn more about the Action Research Team, click here.