2023 KCPC Above the Influence: Kent County 'HOMECOMING: The Return' Youth Summit

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 2023 YOUTH SUMMIT THEME:

The Above the Influence-Kent County Youth Coalition Brand Ambassadors selected ‘HOMECOMING: THE RETURN’ as the theme for the 2023 KCPC Above the Influence-Kent County Youth Summit. While the 2023 installment of Youth Summit will be both virtual and in-person, the group is elated about the event returning to a dominantly face-to-face format format. Youth Summit has historically been a space carved out for middle and high school students to flock for encouragement, acceptance, and inspiration to live a life Above the Influence as well as to drive positive change in our community, while transforming health and wellness trends and overcoming pop culture messages that suggest that alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are not harmful. HOMECOMING: The Return will not only acknowledge the enduring legacy of Youth Summit but will allow attendees to reflect on memories made, build camaraderie with their fellow peers as well as to be empowered to excel individually, lead socially, and revolutionize their families, schools, and community by living Above the Influence.

YOUTH SUMMIT IS DESIGNED TO:

Engage youth in being visible, valuable, and vocal to underage substance use prevention efforts in Kent County
Champion the voices and engagement of youth in the work of underage substance use prevention
Understand the underage substance use issues and emerging trends in Kent County
Engage youth as investors in the health and wellness of Kent County
Develop adolescent leadership skills and talents
Foster relationship-building among teens across the county, state, and region
Create opportunities for youth to engage community leaders and elected officials
Use innovation, art, technology, and media to deliver prevention messages