2025 Youth Leadership Summit
July 15 - July 19 | Cleveland, OH
John Carroll University & Case Western Reserve University
The 35th Annual Youth Leadership Summit Recap
Over five exciting days, over 350 youth, chaperones, and staff from 34 affiliates across the country gathered in Cleveland, Ohio at John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve University to create the future they want to see now! The National Urban League's 35th Annual Youth Leadership Summit marked a milestone year, and was filled with celebration. Participants engaged in exposition activities, leadership development opportunities, pitches, and various hands-on learning opportunities centered around STEAM, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and more. Check out our program highlights!
“The Future is Ours: We Don’t Wait, We Create” was more than just a theme—it was a rallying cry for youth empowerment, urging participants to lead with confidence and take charge of their own futures with purpose and passion.
2025 YLS Welcome Video
Program Highlights
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Kicked things off Browns-style with mascot Sir CC, hype from the Scream Team, and football fun right on the sidelines!
The State of the Urban League Address marked the official kickoff of the National Urban League Conference uniting members, leaders, and community in a night of inspiration. NUL President and CEO, Marc H. Morial charted the movement’s path forward, joined on stage by YLS youth who symbolized the next generation of leaders.
Four finalist teams dropped bold, justice-driven solutions for reimagining government systems. Congrats to our champs from Urban League of Greater Chattanooga!
Six fearless teams pitched their businesses Shark Tank–style for a shot at $17,000. Innovation, hustle, and big ideas lit up the stage.
Drones flying, codes cracking, creativity flowing — STEAM Day had it all. Youth tapped into the science, tech, engineering, arts, and math powering the future.
As part of Community Day, participants had the opportunity to engage with nearly 40 colleges, universities, and scholarship program representatives. We networked, explored schools around the country, and supported businesses. Congratulations to the 2025 Project Ready Scholarship Prize winners -- Payge Turner, Timothy Rice III, Jocelyn Eldemire, Mackenzie Glover, and Warren Scott!
From the Federal Reserve to the Zoo, Sherwin Williams to Regional Transit Authority — youth got a front-row seat to Cleveland’s industries and inspiration for their own career paths. |
Relive the Youth Leadership Summit 2025 Experience
Get behind the scenes clips and student testimonials in this lively recap video featuring an exciting announcement at the end.
We livestreamed key events throughout the week so people near and far could experience the excitement!
Check out our exciting programming.
LIVE - 2025 Welcome Event
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LIVE - 16th Annual Project Ready Case Competition
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Resources
Sponsored By:
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