Fostering Teen Leadership:
A celebration of READ's Inaugural Youth Summit
In August, Read Alliance hosted 100 teen leaders at its first-ever Lifting Up Inspired Teens (L.I.T.) Youth Summit, featuring four days of leadership development, college focus, and career exposure activities just for teens. The summit celebrated Teen Leaders for their achievements and provided them opportunities to hear directly from professional and community leaders about their journeys to success.

Chief Program Officer Yvette Russell's vision was brought to life thanks to the partnership and support of the Department of Education’s Community School District 7, Superintendent Rafael Alvarez, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Nyree Dawn Dixon, and Principal Bracey-Ferguson, PS 277X , READ board members, Associate Board members, Advisory Council members and funders. Below, please enjoy featured photos and video highlights from the youth summit demonstrating the vibrancy and energy of this important event.    
Resume workshop led by Associate Board Member McCreagh Lackman
College Awareness panel featuring (left-to-right) Board Member Dr. Marcia Cantarella, Dr. Bridget R. McCurtis, Teen Leader Alumna Ayanna Romaine and Teen Leader Alumnus Trevor Hutson
College essay-writing workshop led by Kamau Ptah, Educational Consultant
Career readiness panel entitled "When Work is More than a Job" featuring (left to right) Bryn Johnson, Teen Leaders Kadidia Sissoko and Chanté Martinez, and Associate Board members George Davis and Chris Vega
Resume workshop led by Associate Board Chair Bill Chism
Performance by New York’s Marching Cobra’s Drumline and Danceline
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