Empower Youth Success 2026 has ended

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Empower Youth Success 2026

Welcome to Empower Youth Success 2026!
Get ready for an exciting few days of innovative learning, engagement, networking, and fun. Whether this is your first time or you’re a returning attendee, we’re so glad you’re here to help make this event unforgettable!

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7:30am EDT

Coffee and Tea Station West Gallery

8:30am EDT

Opening Ceremony Governor Ballroom A&BAlli Lidie • Timothy Fowler

10:00am EDT

Designing for Belonging and Well-Being: A Positive Approach to Youth Outcomes Kelsey'sAlicia SalamonePowers • Madeline Hehir • Adrienne Bard Developing Leadership Skills for Staff Governor Ballroom A&BNatalie Colón • Ali Wittenberg Let the Space Do the Work: Creative School-Age Environments Governor Ballroom C&DClaire Comtois • Lesley Lawrence Peaceful Power: Resilience, Restoration, Coping and Connection for Older Youth Governor Ballroom EShania Irby • Lura Lunkenheimer • Kimberly Luce

11:45am EDT

Lunch Governor Ballroom A&B

1:00pm EDT

Good to Great: Using the QSA Tool in Afterschool Governor Ballroom EAlicia SalamonePowers • Timothy Fowler Office of Children & Family Services LEAPS team highlights and updates. Governor Ballroom C&DLesley Lawrence • Kathleen McGarry • Safiya Ikhlas • Linda Darrah Real Science: Resources for Citizen Science with Children and Youth Kelsey'sTaylor Esperti • Shania Irby

2:00pm EDT

Cultivating Belonging: Using Everyday Spaces to Spark Connection Governor Ballroom C&DLesley Lawrence • Katie Bowers • Shannon Verdon • Luann Kida Recruiting & Retaining New Staff: Strategies to Cut Turnover in Afterschool Settings Governor Ballroom A&BTaylor Esperti • Natalie Colón Rooted Teaching: Infusing Grounding & Mindfulness into Every Lesson Kelsey'sClaire Comtois • Carter Remy Teen dialogue across difference Governor Ballroom ESarah Hansen • Melanie Forstrom • Malinda Ware

3:45pm EDT

Creativity on a Creative Budget: Loose Parts & Prop Boxes Kelsey'sClaire Comtois • Sarah Hansen Leaders Play Too! Governor Ballroom A&BShania Irby • Jenna Dunlay Meaningful Moves: Recruiting, Retaining and Supporting Older Youth through Connection. Governor Ballroom ETaylor Esperti • Lura Lunkenheimer • Kimberly Luce The $100,000 Belonging Pyramid: Youth Engagement Edition Governor Ballroom C&DLesley Lawrence • Erica Hoskins • Scarlett O'Dell