The 2026 IAMPHL Student Summit

Find your voice, explore creative pathways, and plug into Philly’s arts scene at the 2026 I AM PHL Student Summit!

Hosted at Thomas Jefferson University, this one-day experience brings high school students together for an energizing mix of arts programming, career exploration, and community-building — all aligned to Philadelphia’s growing creative ecosystem.

Whether you’re an artist, musician, poet, or just curious, the Summit gives you space to learn, create, meet peers, and explore real opportunities in Philly’s arts and cultural landscape.

Throughout the day, you’ll participate in a dynamic mix of programming, including:

Hear firsthand stories and insights from artists, creatives, and cultural professionals working in Philly and beyond.

*Final speaker lineup will be announced closer to the date — stay tuned!

Break out into smaller groups to build skills, meet facilitators, and explore three creative tracks:

• Music + Sound
• Visual Arts
• Spoken Word + Storytelling

Workshop facilitators will be announced as we get closer — expect working artists, educators, and creative professionals from across the city.

Connect with local organizations that support Philly youth in:

• Arts & culture
• Creative education
• College & careers
• Performance & media

This is your chance to meet the people who make Philly’s creative ecosystem run.

Close out the day with music, performances, and the energy of our students.
Bring your voice, your bars, your poems, or just your applause.

While students attend workshops, families will have their own track featuring:

• College navigation support
• Arts + education pathways
• Jefferson program info sessions

This helps parents understand how to support creative students beyond high school.

Complimentary lunch will be provided for all registered attendees.

This Summit is designed for:

• High school students (Grades 9–12)
• Artists, musicians, storytellers, poets
• Creatives exploring college or career pathways
• Families, counselors, and educators who support youth

Students will leave with:

• Exposure to Philly’s arts + culture landscape
• Hands-on creative experience
• Real examples of creative career pathways
• Info on how to enter the I AM PHL Contest
• Connections with peers and organizations
• Energy, inspiration, and next steps

Families will leave with:

• College navigation information
• Local arts + education resource awareness
• Visibility into Jefferson’s arts pathways
• Tools to support creative students

FREE — but space is limited.
Registration is required for students and families.

Speaker + workshop lineup will be announced in waves — make sure you’re registered to get updates first!

The Summit is part of PhillyGoes2College’s annual I AM PHL Contest & Student Summit, designed to uplift student voice, civic identity, and creative talent as Philadelphia celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Summit features workshops, panels, a resource fair, and performances, activating multiple rooms across Jefferson’s campus.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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