2026 Youth Leadership Summit
July 28 - August 1
Tennessee State University
The 36th Annual Youth Leadership Summit Recap
Over five exciting days, over 350 youth, chaperones, and staff representing 35 Urban League affiliates from across the country gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, at Tennessee State University for the National Urban League's 36th Annual Youth Leadership Summit. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, pitches, and various hands-on learning opportunities centered around STEAM, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and more. Explore the highlights from the #YLS2026!
In a world increasingly shaped by screens and social media, “Logged Out and Locked In: How We Build Power IRL” challenges young people to be intentional about how they connect, engage, and create change beyond the digital world. The theme celebrates the power of in-person relationships, collective action, civic engagement, and community building, reminding youth that meaningful change starts when we show up for one another in real life. Through leadership, collaboration, and shared experiences, young people can build stronger communities and shape the future together.
2026 YLS Welcome Video
Program Highlights
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Fifteen vendors, endless ways to have fun! We kicked off with food trucks serving everything from fried chicken to rolled ice cream, plus DIY trucker hats, henna, rock climbing, and entertainment. Nashville, we came ready to connect, explore, and lock in!
One summit, endless ways to level up! After Bank of America kicked things off with a financial literacy plenary, youth and chaperones chose their own path through two 60-minute sessions. From mural-making, crochet, DJing, and braiding to journaling, leadership, civic engagement, and exploring AI and human wisdom, there was room to create, learn, and think differently.
Under the prompt “Belonging Without the Scroll,” five finalist teams pitched bold ideas for bringing people together IRL through programs, events, and clubs designed to combat isolation and strengthen community. Big congratulations to our champions from the New York Urban League for their idea on a Bronx IRL Tour that captures the energy, culture, and potential of the Boogie Down Bronx.
Twenty-five teams. Hundreds of materials. One big challenge! For STEAM Day, youth designed and built Rube Goldberg machines using everything from dominoes and cardboard to cereal, balloons, toy cars, and more. Teams brainstormed creative ways to complete their chosen tasks, then watched the final machines come to life on video. In the ultimate peer-voted showdown, participants cast their votes through Mentimeter. Shoutout to Team Spinel for taking home the win!
Big futures start with real connections! As part of Community Day, youth connected with 40 organizations, including 9 HBCUs, 11 PWIs, 4 businesses and corporate entities, 4 trade programs and schools, and 12 other programs, scholarships, and entities. Participants explored opportunities for their future while supporting local vendors, shopping with businesses, and engaging in hands-on experiences.
Big futures start with real connections! As part of Community Day, youth connected with 40 organizations, including 9 HBCUs, 11 PWIs, 4 businesses and corporate entities, 4 trade programs and schools, and 12 other programs, scholarships, and entities. Participants explored opportunities for their future while supporting local vendors, shopping with businesses, and engaging in hands-on experiences. |
Youth Spotlight
Left to Right: Daisy Larbi, Lillian Taylor, David Perrin, and Dekarion Wimberly
Four members of the 2025–2026 Youth Council cohort took the stage as youth panelists at the State of Black America, bringing their perspectives, experiences, and voices to a national conversation. Young leaders aren't just part of the future—they're shaping the conversation right now.
Youth Spotlight Open Mic: Youth Have the Floor 🎤
No scripts, no filters—just real talk. Hear directly from our youth as they share their
goals, advice, role models, and biggest takeaways from YLS.
Click Through to Watch all 7!
Relive the Experience
Check out our exciting programming.
Youth Summit Recap Video
Youth Leadership Summit 2026 Sizzle Reel
Youth Leadership Summit Perfect Pitch
Resources
Want to revisit the experience or get ready for a future summit?
Explore the photos, planning resources, and program materials from #YLS2026:
Sponsors
Building the next generation of leaders takes a village. Thank you to our sponsors for investing in young people, creating opportunities, and helping make the 36th Annual Youth Leadership Summit possible.
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