UP Leaders Youth Fest: Turning Youth Voice Into Action

The UP Leaders Youth Fest is a youth-led event created by the UP Leaders of Tomorrow — a group of young leaders working to make San Antonio better for students and young people.

This event is a space where young people come together to talk about the issues impacting their lives and turn ideas into action.

You won’t just listen — you’ll participate, share your voice, and connect directly with leaders who help make decisions in our city.

✅ Youth-led sessions on real issues affecting young people
✅ Conversations with elected officials & community leaders
✅ A resource fair with programs, internships, and opportunities
✅ Free food + swag 🎁
✅ Raffles & giveaways
✅ Space to meet new people and build community

All sessions connect to building a stronger future for young people through healing, access, voice, and systems support, including:

• 🧩 Mental Health & Wellness
• 🎓 College & Career Access
• 🗳 Civic Engagement & Voting
• 🎤 Youth Voice & Leadership
• 🌎 Immigration & Community Support

This event is open to everyone, especially:

• Youth & young adults (ages 14–24 encouraged!)
• Students
• Educators & school staff
• Families
• Community members
• Policymakers & local leaders who want to hear directly from youth

No prior experience needed — just come ready to learn and share.

Young people are experts in their own experiences.
This summit creates a space where youth can:

• Speak about issues that impact them
• Practice advocacy with decision-makers
• Learn how change happens
• Commit to real action after the event

Yes — there will be free food, giveaways, and chances to win prizes throughout the event!

Info: Check-in will be open 30 minutes before the event begins. Get there early to be one of the first 50 attendees to receive a tote bag with free swag! There will also be FREE FOOD and VOTER REGISTRATION available!

Info: An UP Leader of Tomorrow will open up our event and go over the agenda for the day. We will hear from the CEO of UP Partnership, Cathy Jones, as well as a local leader, on the importance of youth creating spaces and conversations around issues that affect them directly.

Info: Our youth will present first round of presentations

Info: In between sessions, families and students will have about 45 minutes to have lunch, enjoy the resource fair where over 10 organizations will be tabling and offering youth resources and information, and network with elected officials.

Info: Youth present second round of presentations.

Info: Meet back in main gathering space to close out the evening with a call to action, a raffle for prizes, & a celebratory ending!

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

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Host or Publisher UP Partnership