A full-day convening dedicated to empowering and supporting members of Black Student Unions & Associations, along with their advisors, school administrators, and allies. 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.
Registration is now open!
April 5, 2025
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cab Calloway School of the Arts - Wilmington, DE
A full-day convening dedicated to empowering and supporting members of Black Student Unions & Associations, along with their advisors, school administrators, and allies. 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.
April 5, 2025
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cab Calloway School of the Arts - Wilmington, DE
Amplify Youth Voices Across Delaware.
What is the Student EmPowerment Summit?
The Delaware Student EmPowerment Summit is by and for students who want to turn up the volume and activism withing their peer groups and schools. If you are ready to engage in meaningful discussions and share strategies to drive positive change within your school and community, the Delaware Student EmPowerment Summit is for you.
The Summit is meant to prepare, train, re-fuel and uplift students and the adults who 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
Student EmPowerment Summit Challenge
The Top 3 schools with the most students at the Delaware Student EmPowerment Summit will win a 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 our April 5th event.
How Your School Can Win $500!
Register for the 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 Black student voices in our state is important. Share it on TikTok, Instagram, and/or Facebook. Don’t forget to tag @unitedwayde & use #AmplifyBlackVoicesDE.
Attend the Summit
Your school must have a minimum of 10 attendees at the event to qualify. The top 3 schools with the most students in attendance will win a cash prize.
Learn More About the Challenge
Prizes:
- First Place (Most attendees) : $500
- Second Place (2nd most) : $250
- Third Place (3rd most) : $150
Contest Rules and Details:
- All event attendees must register to attend. Only one registration per person.
- Registration closes March 22nd, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.
- To qualify for prize entry – each school must have a minimum of 10 students registered and in attendance the day of the event (March 23rd, 2024).
- Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 schools with the most students in attendance; first prize $500, second prize $250; third prize $150.
- Prizes will be distributed by the United Way of Delaware to each school’s BSU/BSA Administrator or staff member for appropriate tracking. Cash prizes will not be distributed directly to students.
- Participation is open to any student, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, nationality origin or membership in any other protected category.
Event Details
Summit Schedule
There are targeted trainings for students, advisors & teachers, and school administrators. Registration is now open!
April 5, 2025
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Volunteer Opportunities
We are actively looking for trusted adults 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.
Vendor Opportunities
We encourage local organizations providing high school and middle school age-appropriate services and products to be vendors at the Student Empowerment Summit. Please click here to learn more and sign up.
Doors Open
Doors open at 9:00 am with vendors, snacks, and a DJ.
Welcome & Program Begins
Our day’s kickoff includes a welcome drumline and a choir performance of”Lift Every Voice.” We’ll also call out our event sponsors, who make this event possible!
Keynote Speaker
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester
United States Senator
Performance
Workshop #1
Students choose one workshop to attend.
Lunch Party Stroll - D9
Enjoy a catered lunch and get a chance to connect with other students.
Arts Activity Open Mic/ Painting/Poetry/Song Writing/Beat
Students will be able to choose one arts workshop led by our amazing Cab Calloway faculty and other local artists and creators! Choose from poetry and lyrics, photography, open-mic, painting, and dance.
Workshop #2
Closing Remarks & Prizes
Buses Depart
Breakout Sessions & Panels
New! Here are the breakout sessions for 2025! Attendees will be able to choose one session in the morning and one in the afternoon.
For Students
Own the Mic: Speak Up, Speak Out
Master public speaking skills to express yourself confidently and inspire others. Learn techniques for commanding an audience and telling your story effectively.
Scholarly Rizz: Academic Speaking for Success Description
Develop skills to thrive in academic settings, including study skills, organization, and more. Boost your confidence to shine in any academic environment.
Speaker: Desiree J. Moore
Navigating the New: Thriving in a Shifting Political Climate:
Explore strategies to stay informed, engaged, and empowered in today’s political landscape while advocating for social justice and equity.
Breaking Barriers: Tackling Race Conversations at School
Learn how to have courageous, respectful, and productive discussions about race in your school community. Gain tools to educate and engage others.
Speaker: Dr. Brittany Hazzard
Global Blackness: A Worldview of Our Legacy
Take a journey to explore the rich diversity of Black cultures, histories, and contributions worldwide. Discover how Blackness unites and empowers across borders.
Boss Up: Entrepreneurship for the Next Generation
Learn how to turn your passions into profits and build your own business. Explore branding, marketing, and financial management with a focus on creating generational wealth.
Speakers: Gi & Ebens Jean (One Way Insurance Group)
Beyond Chains: Black History Before Slavery
Discover the brilliance of African civilizations and cultures before the transatlantic slave trade. Celebrate the innovation, art, and leadership that shaped the world.
Speaker: Dr. Bey
Mind Matters: Protecting Your Mental Health
Explore ways to prioritize self-care, reduce stress, and maintain emotional well-being. Learn strategies to support yourself and your peers.
Speaker: Brandy Walker
Your Ticket to Excellence: HBCU Pathways
Discover the legacy and opportunities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Learn how they can empower your academic and social journey.
Mapping Your Future: The 40 Assets Approach
Create a life map using the 40 Developmental Assets framework to set goals and build a foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.
Speaker: Dr. Ebony Brown, United Way of Delaware
Building Black Wealth: Financial Wellness for Teens
Learn the basics of budgeting, saving, investing, and credit to create a strong financial foundation for your future.
Speaker: Camille Moman
Leading the Charge: How to Run a BSU
Gain tools and tips to establish and lead a successful Black Student Union at your school. Learn to build community, organize events, and advocate for change.
Delaware Black History: A Stateview of Our Legacy (Morning Session ONLY)
Take a journey to explore the rich diversity of Black cultures, histories, and contributions right here in the State of Delaware.
Speaker: Dr. Syl
Failure is Dope: Redefining Success through Setbacks (Afternoon Session ONLY)
“Failure” isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone to greatness. The workshop empowers teens to embrace failure as a powerful learning tool, helping them build resilience, discover hidden strengths, and redefine success on their own terms.
Speaker: Blake Saunders
The Power of Global Experiences
Join us for an engaging workshop focused on expanding global opportunities for minority students through study-abroad initiatives. Aligned with the Student EmPOWERment Summit’s focus on leadership and advocacy, our session will explore how global experiences can shape Black student leadership and empower advocacy efforts. Participants will gain actionable strategies to make international education more accessible, helping them break barriers and leverage travel as a tool for personal and academic growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders!
Speakers: Ariana McAuley, Brimady Ramirez-Garcia, and Rashida Elbourne
Paying for College (Afternoon session ONLY)
We will guide you through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) process. You’ll learn how to complete the application, understand the types of financial aid available, and identify common mistakes to avoid. This session will also include a Q&A segment for tailored advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your college financing simpler and more effective!
Speaker: Ron Sudler, Financial Coach – Stand By Me Delaware, Neighborgood Partners
For Students – Arts Workshops
Beats & Bars: Crafting Your Soundtrack
Dive into the world of beat-making and music production. Learn how to create rhythms, layer tracks, and express yourself through sound using digital tools.
Speaker: Grammy-Winning Producer Dana Sorey
Soul Scribbles: Writing Lyrics and Poetry from the Heart
Explore the art of storytelling through words. Craft impactful lyrics or poetry that reflect your experiences, culture, and creativity.
Through Our Lens: Photography with Purpose
Capture the beauty and resilience of Black culture through the art of photography. Learn techniques to tell powerful visual stories and share your perspective.
Speak Your Truth: Open Mic Circle
Step into a supportive space where your voice matters. Share your poetry, lyrics, or stories, and connect with others through the power of spoken word.
Canvas of Culture: Painting Our Stories
Express yourself through vibrant art. Explore painting techniques and create a visual masterpiece that celebrates your identity and heritage.
Speaker: Milton Downing – Brandywine School District teacher, 2021 Delaware Art Educator of the Year.
Hip-Hop Moves: Dancing Through History
Learn the roots of hip-hop dance while mastering moves that tell a story. Celebrate the rhythm, energy, and culture that shaped a global phenomenon.
For Adult Attendees
Building Bridges: Navigating Race Conversations with BSU Students
Gain insights into addressing race-related challenges in schools. Learn strategies for guiding students as they lead difficult conversations, build understanding, and create actionable change.
Speaker: Cliffvon Howell, MS – Adjunct Professor at Delaware State University; Equity and Diversity Coordinator, Cesar Rodney School District.
Lighting the Path: Empowering Black Youth Through Leadership
Explore ways to guide students in becoming visionary leaders. This session focuses on identifying strengths, setting goals, and addressing challenges unique to Black youth leadership development.
Speaker: Dr. Taquil Foster
Keynote Speaker
United States Senator
Lisa Blunt Rochester
Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the U.S. Senate. She was elected in 2024 after serving four terms as Delaware’s sole representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the House, she served on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees health care, the environment, commerce and trade, energy policy, telecommunications, manufacturing, and consumer protection.
Senator Blunt Rochester is a leading voice in Congress on workforce issues, the future of work, and building an economy that works for everyone. As former Secretary of Labor and State Personnel Director, she leverages her expertise to advocate for policies that support growth and ensure working families earn a living wage. She founded and co-chaired the bipartisan Congressional Future of Work Caucus in the House. After seeing the impact of empty grocery shelves during the pandemic, she also led the charge in Congress to address the supply chain crisis and bring manufacturing jobs back to Delaware and the United States.
As a former statewide health official, Senator Blunt Rochester brings a broad perspective on health care policy. She has worked as an implementer at the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, a negotiator as State Personnel Director, and an advocate as CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Wilmington, Senator Blunt Rochester graduated from Padua Academy. She earned a degree in International Relations from Fairleigh Dickinson University and, as a working mother, completed her master’s degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware. She resides in Wilmington, Delaware. She is the proud mother of two adult children, Alex and Alyssa, and mother-in-law to Ebony. She is also the grandmother of her first granddaughter, Lennox.
View Senator Blunt Rochester’s full bio.
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 there. Transportation from all three counties will be provided. More details will be available as we get closer to the Summit date.
From
Dover
Buses will pick up students from:
Carmike 14 (Dover Mall Movies)
1365 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
Departure: 8:00 am
Return: 4:00 pm
From
Milford
Buses will pick up students from:
Milford Movies
989 N Dupont Blvd, Milford, DE
Departure: 7:30 am
Return: 4:30 pm
From
Newark
Buses will pick up students from:
Cinemark Movie Theatre
1200 Christiana Mall, Newark, DE
Departure: 8:00 am
Return: 4:15 pm
From
Middletown
Buses will pick up students from:
Westown Movies (Middletown)
150 Commerce Dr, Middletown, DE 19709
Departure: 8:30 am
Return: 3:40 pm
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 learning. There will be a DJ and special guest performers throughout the conference.
What will the advisors be doing during the conference?
We will have special sessions for the advisors to attend. They will be able to learn and grow from other advisors attending. Our intent is to equip advisors with the skills they need to better support their students at their school.
Who is the keynote speaker?
The keynote speaker is the junior United States Senator from Delaware, Lisa Blunt Rochester.
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).
Can I invite friends?
Yes—all Delaware high school and mature 7th and 8th grade students are invited to attend. You don’t have to identify as Black and you don’t have to have a Black Student Association at your school. You do have to be interested learning how to use your voice to empower yourself and your fellow students, attend a Delaware high school, and be ready to learn.
I live in Kent or Sussex County? Is there transportation?
Yes, we have pick-ups in Milford (Milford Movies 9) and Dover (Carmike 14 at the Mall), please use the registration link to sign up for transportation.
I have questions about transportation. Who do I call?
Contact Tierra Fair at tfair@uwde.org or call 302-494-5442 if you have questions.
I’m not a part of a Black Student Union. Can I still come?
Yes, if you’re interested in learning how to use your voice to EmPower yourself, your peers, and your community, THIS IS FOR YOU!
All races/ethnicities are encouraged to attend!
I’m interested in the sponsoring the event. What do I do?
Contact Tierra Fair at tfair@uwde.org or call 302-494-5442 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.
Are there any vendor opportunities?
If you are interested in being a vendor, please click here to learn more and sign up.