Youth Leadership Summit U.S.A
2026 NEW YORK CITY

Apr 18th, 2026

12 PM EST

Helen Marshall Cultural Center

Student Speaker And Audience Registration Are Now OPEN!

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Interested in 2026 NYC events?

Quick Inquiry – Let’s Talk!

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Wait, what is YLS?

Make Your Voice Heard!

The 2026 Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) is a vibrant and high-impact platform that empowers competitive high school students to lead, innovate, and create measurable social impact at national and global levels.

Explore Youth Leadership! Discover innovative projects and gain inspiration.

Networking & Resources! Connect with nonprofit leaders and explore collaboration opportunities.

College Insights! Hear from Ivy League admissions officers and alumni for valuable perspectives.

And Win a Prize! Grand Prize up to $2,000 for Your Organization

Student Speaker Application
Priority Deadline:
February 8th, 2026

Student Speaker Application
Regular Deadline:
March 8th, 2026

Join Now

Hi from 2025 YLS Winners

Watch Our Student Speaker interviews

Who Are We Looking For

Who is qualified

Previous Event

2025 YLS recap

Why Join
2026 YLS NYC

What to expect

How to Join

How to compete

Keynote Speakers

Real-world Leaders

We Are Looking For

Young Leaders!

We are looking for Top U.S. high school leadership program leaders and members, who are interested in:

–Gain insights from top student leaders on starting and running nonprofits
–Discover nonprofit services and volunteer opportunities for high school students
–Connect with nonprofits and student leaders for event ideas and strategies

We also welcome:

Founders and operators of renowned nonprofits

Ivy League alumni and former admissions officers

Partner, sponsor, and prominent media outlets

Student Speaker Application Deadline: Mar 8st, 2026

Join Now

2025 YLS USA Highlights

Meet 2025 Award Winners!

Platinum Award

Fruit Sharing

Gold Award

Flying Strings
Youth Ensemble

Silver Award

STEMpathy

Rising Star Award

SciConnect
Initiative

Former Admissions Officers giving advice to Student Speakers

NGO Leaders giving advice to Student Speakers

Learn more about YLS 2025

6 Reasons To Join 2026 YLS NYC!

Win up to $2000 for your organization!

Clubs Presentation

Showcase your club and its story to judges and 100+ local families, win up to $2,000 fund, and receive actionable suggestions!

Keynote Speakers Sharing

Learn success secrets from Former Admissions Officers, Top NPOs, Ivy+ Alumni, and award-winning club leaders!

Networking & Collaborate

Access exclusive resources and build partnerships with renowned local non-profits and international organizations

Booth Display

Promote your club, share your mission, and maximize impact through direct engagement in the local community!

Media Interview

Gain Media Recognition! Your club could be featured in coverage from top local and international media outlets

Website & Social Posting

Boost visibility by promoting your club across our media channels, reaching a nationwide audience!

Keynote Speakers 2026

Maya Gobert

Founder & Director,
Leadership & Innovation Lab
Former judge for the Conrad Challenge and the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition

Joel Butterly

Co-Founder and CEO,
InGenius Prep
JD, Yale
BA, Dartmouth

Natalia Ostrowski

Former Assistant Director of Admissions & Director of India,
University of Chicago

How You Will Compete At
2026 YLS NYC?

1. Application Form submission

Fill out the registration survey and submit your club details, goals, and activities by the deadline.

2. Submit Your Elevator Pitch

If invited, create a 3-5 minute video introducing your club, its impact, and future plans.

3. Presentation Video Submission

If selected, submit a full presentation record video covering the required key aspects. Your application and video will be reviewed by a panel of judges.

4. Present In-person In NYC!

Successful clubs will be one of the ten clubs chosen to present in person! You’ll receive feedback from our judges and compete for one of four prestigious awards: Platinum, Gold, Silver, or the Rising Star honor.

Learn more Competition detials