Empire Promise Youth Summit

For more than twenty years, the Empire Promise Youth Summit has been a launchpad for creativity, confidence, and leadership—helping students discover their potential and take bold steps toward their futures.

Empowering New York’s Future Leaders

Each year, the Empire Promise Youth Summit brings together high school students (grades 9–12) from Liberty Partnerships Programs across New York State for an inspiring, multi-day experience of learning, connection, and growth.

This dynamic statewide event unites young leaders with educators, community partners, and industry professionals to explore new opportunities and tackle real-world challenges. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and hands-on experiences, students gain valuable insights into college readiness, career pathways, and the evolving industries that shape New York’s economy.

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The 21st Annual Empire Promise Youth Summit

Theme: “Survivor: Inside Out”

In April 2025, the Empire Promise Youth Summit returned for its 21st year, welcoming Liberty Partnerships students from across New York State for a one-of-a-kind event centered on emotional intelligence and personal growth.

Inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out, the theme “Survivor: Inside Out” invited students to explore the five core emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger—through interactive “tribal” challenges designed to build self-awareness, empathy, and resilience.

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Highlights

The Summit opened with a screening of Inside Out and a lively welcome dinner that set the tone for three days of learning, laughter, and collaboration. Students took part in morning yoga sessions, a campus-wide scavenger hunt at Binghamton University, and evening entertainment ranging from open mic performances to a dance party that kept spirits high.

Keynote speaker Melinda E. Ramírez inspired participants with her presentation, “Move to Your Own Beat: Mastering Emotions and Rising Above Challenges.” Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, she shared her Activate, Rise, and Thrive framework—comparing emotions to dance moves that can be mastered through practice, intention, and support.