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Youth Empowerment Summit

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Writing the next page of your story

The Youth Empowerment Summit is filled with great activities and discussions which help teens write the next page in the story of their lives. Year after year, YES continues to offer a unique opportunity to York County teens. It provides teens a day to freely explore the wide variety of options available to them as they wonder: what’s next for me? And how do I get there?

The 18th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit was held on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

A big thank you to our presenters, teachers, teens, and everyone else who took part!

Jennifer Foxworthy Head Shot 2023

Our 2024 Keynote Speaker

Each year, York County Libraries invites a keynote speaker to engage with attendees at YES on a different area of expertise. They are invited to share their insight and wisdom with the attendees.

Our Keynote Speaker for 2024 was Jennifer Foxworthy, alumnus of William Penn High School, retired Navy veteran, author, and motivational speaker. Her keynote address focused on cultivating your potential, problem solving, and developing a sound work ethic to achieve goals.

Our last five Keynote Speakers:

  • 2018 Jared Reck, author of “Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love”
  • 2019 K. M. Walton, author of “Cracked”
  • 2020 Justina Ireland, author of “Dread Nation”
  • 2023 Andrew Aydin, author of graphic novel “March”
  • 2024 Jennifer Foxworthy, author and motivational speaker

Workshops

During registration, students choose from a variety of workshops to meet their individual interests. Workshops are led by community leaders such as legislators, business owners, advocates, other teens, nonprofit employees and volunteers, and local college and tech professors.

In the past, YES has held workshops on subjects such as:

  • Planning for college or post-high school education
  • Planning to enter the workforce after high school
  • Understanding financial aid for college or trade school
  • Developing writing skills
  • Improving public speaking skills
  • Demonstrations and discussions from local business owners
  • Exploring health topics which affect teens

  • YES 2019 Teen Volunteers Smile For Picture

  • YES 2023 Keynote Speaker Andrew Aydin On Screen

  • YES 2023 Teens Doing Yoga

  • YES 2019 Teens Talking With Presenter

  • YES 2023 Yoga Silhouette