600 students have signed up for Feb. 24 event; registration is now closed
Hundreds of high school students will converge in Richmond on Saturday, Feb. 24 for the second-annual Teen Summit RVA, which will offer a day of interactive fun, prizes and engagement over issues that matter to them.
The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd St. Registration was closed last week when the event reached its capacity for 600 students.
The summit will center on the theme of “I AM” and is designed to inspire, uplift and celebrate youth through the power of self-affirmation. It also will promote leadership development and connections among participants. Students will be able to explore job opportunities and resources at the InspireYouth@Work Regional Opportunity Fair, hear from speakers and take part in breakout sessions to engage with peers over such topics as healthy communication, mental health self-care, financial management and using art for healing.
The event, which includes lunch, was planned by local teenagers who formed the Regional Youth Advisory Council after participating in the inaugural Teen Summit RVA last March. That event was organized to help youth connect and cope with various challenges, including mental health, youth violence and isolation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had a great time last year at Teen Summit RVA. I was able to attend creative workshops, listen to interesting meetings and receive a lot of merchandise,” said Shriya Bandla, a junior at Godwin High School. “I am excited about this year’s event because I was able to serve on the Regional Youth Advisory Council and helped plan the event. It helped me understand how much preparation it takes to allow the event to run smoothly. I hope all high school students can join this incredible event!”
Teen Summit RVA is presented by Henrico County, Chesterfield County and the City of Richmond with sponsorship from Virginia Career Works-Capital Region and the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond.
Bus transportation will be available for students from public high schools in Henrico, Chesterfield and Richmond. Students should see their school’s administration for permission slips, bus schedules and other details.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies, organizations and others. Adult volunteers also are needed to work the event.
