(Camden, NJ) – Hundreds of students will gather virtually to discuss positive youth development, and how to prepare for the next stages of adulthood during virtual keynote address for the 4th Annual Camden County Students United for Respect and Equity (S.U.R.E.) Summit at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11. This year’s full summit was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are in the middle of multiple national crises, a global pandemic, and the long-term inequalities and inequalities that exist in our society have only been worsening as a result. There has never been a greater need for the development of youth leadership than in this moment,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Youth Services Commission. “This summit is typically offered in-person during the spring but had to be postponed due to concerns related to the spread of COVID-19. We are excited to be able to bring these young adults together and to host this important conversation virtually.”
Each year the S.U.R.E Summit hosts one or several featured speakers. This year, students will hear from Grammy-nominated artist, speaker, author and entrepreneur, SaulPaul. SaulPaul is a musician with a message and has enjoyed much success in his adult life, but that’s much different from the life of poverty he endured as a youth. His life story of transitioning from foster care to college graduation from the prestigious University of Texas at Austin has been told on screen via the documentary Tower to Tower, through his books Dream in 3D and Be The Change, and his TEDx Talks.
The 4th Annual S.U.R.E. Summit is supported by the Camden County Youth Services Commission and multiple community partners. Participants must register prior to the event. Registration is available at the form here.