Virgin Islands youth are invited to the EmpowerU Youth Summit 2025 at 9 a.m. on March 1, 2025, at the 13D Research and Innovation Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas and on March 15, 2025, on St. John Community Resource and Development Center, St. John Marketplace 2nd floor. This transformative summit is designed to inspire, educate, and equip students ages 12-18 with the tools and skills they need to succeed in their academic, personal, and professional lives.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops, hear from inspiring speakers, and gain practical skills that will help them thrive in all areas of life. Parents, teachers, and community members are encouraged to spread the word and ensure students don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event.
“Join us in empowering the future,” said Dr. Latashia Edwards, community engagement manager for UVI’s Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL). “The EmpowerU Youth Summit 2025 is more than an event—it’s a movement to inspire and uplift the youth of the Virgin Islands. With the support of our dedicated partners and community members, we’re shaping a brighter, stronger future for all.”
Important critical topics such as leadership and teamwork, mental health, financial literacy, conflict resolution and college and career planning will be discussed at summit by community leaders, organizations, and experts.
The event also features a vibrant Exhibit Hall, where students can connect with local agencies and organizations offering valuable resources. Please complete this Exhibit Hall registration if you wish to take part in this session - https://forms.office.com/r/8ppRcFiKMh.
This year’s summit is made possible through the generous support and partnership of several key organizations, including:
“Together, these partners share a commitment to empowering the youth of the Virgin Islands and fostering a brighter future for our communities,” said Dr. Edwards.
To register, students, parents, and schools interested in participating in this free summit can register online at https://forms.gle/NaWK73jMXsUPebQy9. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
The EmpowerU Youth Summit is also seeking volunteers to assist with event operations at all three locations. If you’re interested in giving back to the community and helping shape the next generation, please complete the volunteer form at https://forms.office.com/r/vEtw7eiPA0.
The EmpowerU Youth Summit was held on St. Croix of Feb. 28, 2025, in the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.
For more information, please contact Dr. Latashia Edwards at latashia.edwards@uvi.edu or (340) 692-4112 or Whitney George at vi.youthempowermentservices@gmail.com.
About EmpowerU
EmpowerU is a community-driven initiative committed to equipping young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. Through interactive workshops, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement, EmpowerU fosters growth, resilience, and leadership in the next generation.
