4th Annual
Cumbre de Empoderamiento Estudiantil
(Student EmPowerment Summit)
A half-day gathering to connect and uplift members of Latinos Unidos Student Unions & Associations, Advisors, School administrators, and allies who support them. This event fosters collaboration, leadership, and advocacy to create more inclusive educational experiences for all students. Open to all races and ethnicities, attendees will engage in meaningful discussions and share strategies to drive positive change within their schools and communities.
Saturday | October 17, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Poly Tech High School - 823 Walnut Shade Rd, Woodside, DE 19980
4th Annual
Cumbre de Empoderamiento Estudiantil
(Student EmPowerment Summit)
A half-day gathering to connect and uplift members of Latinos Unidos Student Unions & Associations, Advisors, School administrators, and allies who support them. This event fosters collaboration, leadership, and advocacy to create more inclusive educational experiences for all students. Open to all races and ethnicities, attendees will engage in meaningful discussions and share strategies to drive positive change within their schools and communities.
Amplifying Latino Student Voices in Delaware.
The Cumbre de Empoderamiento Estudiantil (Student EmPOWERment Summit) is by and for students who want to turn up the volume and activism of Latinos Unidos Student Unions/Associations. Whether your school’s Latinos Unidos Student Union/Association is in development, active, or re-emerging, the Cumbre de Empoderamiento Estudiantil is for you.
The Summit is meant to prepare, train, re-fuel, and uplift students and the adults that support them. During the Summit, you will learn why it’s important to use your voice and how to do it in a way that powers up change for the better, where you learn.
Enter the Cumbre de Empoderamiento Estudiantil Challenge
The school with the most students at the Summit will win a $1,000 cash prize!
Help your school win a cash prize for having the most students in attendance at the Summit! Show support by sharing Summit information and encouraging your friends to register and attend!
Register For Summit
Complete the registration form on this page to secure your spot at this year’s summit.
Spread the Word
Send a text or DM to encourage your friends to attend the summit. Be creative and share why amplifying Latino student voices in our state is important. Share it on TikTok, Instagram, and/or Facebook. Don’t forget to tag @unitedwayde & use #AmplifyLatinoVoicesDE.
Attend the Summit
Your school must have at least 10 attendees at the event to qualify. The school with the most students in attendance will win a $1,000 cash prize.
Summit Schedule
This is the schedule for the 2025 Summit – check back soon for the 2026 Summit schedule!
October 17, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Poly Tech High School
Volunteer Opportunities
We need trusted adults to help us out on the day of the summit. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering to help out during the event, please sign up here when we open up the link.
Be a Friend of the Summit
The Cumbre de Empoderamiento Estudiantil isn’t just an event; it’s a call for unity and a platform to amplify the voices of Latino youth in the First State. The summit is only possible because of generous support from donors and community partners. The investments go well beyond food, transportation, and t-shirts. They’re a commitment to helping our students thrive for years to come. For $100 or more, be a “Friend of the Summit” donor, and your contribution will help create a better future for Latino youth in Delaware.
9:00 am
DOORS OPEN
Doors open at 9:00 am with vendors, music, entertainment, and student performances.
10:00 am
Welcome
The official program begins! Welcome to students, student presentations, and a Folk Dance by Aurora and Students
10:30 am
11:00 - 11:50 am
Workshop #1
Choose 1 of the following sessions:
- Stop the Bleed – Detén el sangrado Room 1 – Nemours Trauma team)
- Stop the Bleed – Detén el sangrado Room 2 – Nemours Trauma team
- Know Your Rights/Conoce tus derechos – Tobi Omotoso
- What to eat with Melissa – Qué comemos con Melissa Lopez
- Launching into your future – Despegando hacia tu future – Edwin Santos
- Investigative Journalism – Perdiodismo Investigativo (José Ignacio Castañeda Perez)
12:00 - 12:50 pm
Lunch & Fellowship
Enjoy a catered lunch and fellowship with friends.
1:00 - 1:50 pm
Workshop #2
Choose 1 of the following sessions:
- Speaking Aloud/Hablando en voz alta – Journalist Jazmin Buke of DETV
- International Club from Polytech High School (PHS) – Club Internacional de Polytech High School – Club Leadership
- Life Map – Tu Jornada– Dana Baker of United Way of Delaware
- Small Business/La Plaza – Neyda Albarrán
- Civic Duties – Deberes Civicos (Delaware Hispanic Commission/ Kelly Calvajal)
- Investigative Journalism – Perdiodismo Investigativo (José Ignacio Castañeda Perez)
2:00 - 2:45 pm
Closing Remarks & Prizes – and Fiesta!
3:00 pm
Bus Dismissal
Need a Ride?
We Got You!
We don’t want transportation to keep you from attending the summit. That’s why we organized buses to get you to the Summit!
From
Georgetown
Buses will pick up students from:
La Esperanza
216 N Race St, Georgetown, DE 19947
Departure: 7:30 am
Return: 4:10 pm
From
Milford
Buses will pick up students from:
Milford High School
1019 N Walnut St, Milford, DE 19963
Departure: 8:10 am
Return: 3:30 pm
From
Newark
Buses will pick up students from:
Aspira High School
750 Otts Chapel Rd, Newark, DE 19713
Departure: 7:45 am
Return: 4:15 pm
From
Newark
Buses will pick up students from:
Hodgson Vo-Tech High School
2575 Glasgow Ave, Newark, DE 19702
Departure: 8:00 am
Return: 4:00 pm
The below details are from the 2025 Student Summit. This section will be updated when more information is available for the 2026 summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is invited?
The Summit is open to all Delaware students and advisors; all races and ethnicities are welcome. We discuss tough topics so the Summit is focused on high school students, however, mature 7th and 8th graders can attend.
Will this be fun?
Yes! We are going to have a lot of fun sprinkled throughout the Summit. There will be music, performances, and entertainment throughout the day.
What will the advisors be doing during the conference?
Advisors are welcome to attend. They will be able to attend most workshops with the students, and learn and grow from other advisors attending. Our intent is to equip advisors with the skills they need to amplify their Latino Student Association at their school.
Who is the keynote speaker?
Last years keynote speaker was José Ignacio Castañeda, a journalist at Spotlight Delaware. In his work, he focuses on covering public policy and its impact on the daily lives of Delawareans throughout the state, with a particular emphasis on communities that have traditionally lacked access to local news and information.
How much does it cost to attend?
The event is absolutely free. There is no cost for students or their advisors thanks to the generous donations from our sponsors.
Will there be food?
Yes, we will have snacks in the morning and lunch for everyone in attendance at 12 pm (noon). Be sure to select your food needs when you complete the registration form.
Can I invite friends?
Yes—the Summit is open to all students. You don’t have to identify as Latino, and you don’t have to have a Latinos Unidos Student Union/Association at your school. You do have to be interested in racial equity, attend a Delaware high school, and be ready to learn.
I may need a ride to attend the Summit. Is there transportation?
Yes, we will have bus transportation to and from New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. Sign up for bus transportation when you register.
I have questions about transportation. Who do I call?
Contact Wanda Barrett at wbarrett@uwde.org or call 302-573-3757 if you have questions.
I’m not a part of a Latinos Unidos Student Union/ Association. Can I still come?
Yes, the Summit is open to all students! We will even have a session on how to start a student club at your school.
I’m interested in the sponsoring the event. What do I do?
Contact Wanda Barrett at wbarrett@uwde.org or call 302-573-3757 if you have questions.
Are there any volunteer opportunities?
We are actively looking for trusted adults (21 and over) to help us out the day of the summit. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering to help out during the event, please click here to learn more and sign up.
Register Today!
To ensure you receive a t-shirt and lunch, please register by Friday, October 2. You can register up to the morning of the event, and even at the door, but please note that you may not receive an event T-shirt.