Students Learn About Leadership and Planning for Their Future at Annual Summit

April 28, 2026

The San Diego County Office of Education hosted its fourth annual Black Student Summit, bringing together nearly 300 middle school students from grades 6-8 for workshops focused on leadership, empowerment, and future planning. The event, themed "Our Voice, Our Power, Our Future – Youth Rising. Communities Thriving," aimed to introduce college-going behaviors and opportunities to students while celebrating Black culture and supporting academic achievement.

Who is affected

Nearly 300 Black middle school students in grades 6-8 from San Diego County
Students from multiple schools including Bell, Lewis, Pershing, Mann, Guajome Park Academy, Roosevelt, Chula Vista, Castle Park, Hilltop, MLK, Santa Margarita, Chavez, Lincoln, Stuart Mesa, North Terrace, Jefferson, Howard Gardner Community, Santa Fe Christian, and Preuss School UCSD
Teachers and staff from participating schools (including Rayna Martinez and colleagues from Lewis Middle School)
The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
Workshop presenters and organizations including Julian Frederick, the ANEW Project, Young and Prosperous Foundation, San Diego Unified School District representatives, and LKW STEM Foundation

What action is being taken

SDCOE is hosting the 4th Annual Black Student Summit
Nearly 300 middle school students are attending workshops on leadership, empowerment, confidence-building, and community strengthening
Julian Frederick is delivering a keynote address and conducting a live cooking demonstration
Students are participating in breakout sessions and rotating through various workshops
Students are engaging in interactive activities, including teamwork exercises led by the ANEW Project

Why it matters

This summit is significant because it addresses the critical need to introduce college-going behaviors and planning to students at the middle school level rather than waiting until high school. The event creates an inclusive learning environment where Black students can feel seen, heard, and valued while celebrating their culture and unique strengths. For schools with small Black student populations, the summit provides essential opportunities for students to connect with their broader community, hear from inspiring leaders, and receive guidance about their educational and career pathways. The emphasis on starting college preparation in middle school can positively impact students' long-term academic achievement and future opportunities.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint