National Youth Summit Showcases the Power of Youth Voice and Action
When 150 young leaders come together in one room, it’s more than a summit—it’s a movement. They gather to learn from one another, share their experiences, and shape real solutions. That’s exactly what will happen in Washington, D.C., at Mikva Challenge’s National Youth Summit.
Over the course of three days, youth leaders from across the country will stand shoulder to shoulder with educators, policymakers, researchers, and youth development experts, proving that when it comes to shaping our future, young people don’t just have a stake, they have a voice, a vision, and the drive to lead meaningful change.
This year’s summit comes at a time when debates around education, the environment, mental health, and public safety dominate the headlines—yet young people are still too often left out of the conversation. The National Youth Summit is designed to change that.
Through structured civics task forces, students will dig deep into the most pressing issues facing their communities. They won’t just name the problems—they’ll research root causes, analyze existing policies, and develop actionable recommendations. Their work will reflect the clarity and urgency of people who know that democracy only works when everyone has a seat at the table.
A highlight of the summit will be Soapbox Nation, Mikva Challenge’s flagship public speaking showcase. Students selected from thousands across the country will take the stage to deliver bold, passionate, and thoughtful speeches on the issues that matter most to them. Their words will set the tone for the weekend, reminding everyone in the room that youth voice isn’t just powerful, it’s essential.
Events like the National Youth Summit underscore why civic education matters. Today, the federal government spends about $50 per student on STEM education and only five cents per student on civic education. Mikva Challenge is working to shift that balance by giving young people real-world experiences that help them understand how democracy works—and how they can shape it.
This summit isn’t a one-time event. It’s part of a growing movement. Mikva Challenge has a bold vision to reach 2 million students annually by 2034, preparing a generation of engaged, informed, and active citizens ready to strengthen our democracy.
When young people lead, they bring courage, creativity, and a deep sense of justice with them. And if this summit is any indication, the future of democracy is already in very capable hands.
