The event is the largest of its kind for Black students and their families in Santa Barbara County
Gateway Educational Services (www.gatewayeducationalservices.org) will host the 2025 Black Youth Leadership Summit, an empowering event designed to bring together students who identify as Black or African American for a day of learning, connection, and community-building. The event was born from the vision and dedication of the Parents of Black Students Advocacy Council
(PBSAC), an ad hoc group of parents with children enrolled at Gateway. PBSACʼs missionis to advocate for underserved students of
color by fostering educational equity, cultural affirmation, and community support. Motivated by a desire to create a space of joy
and empowerment for Black youth ahead of the new school year, the group approached Gateway with the idea of a one-day celebration focused on leadership, culture, and positivity.
In the face of adverse school climates and anti-blackness, Gateway sought to host an event that addresses these issues in a constructive and uplifting manner, providing leadership skills and a celebration of Black culture for our youth. The result was the inaugural Black Youth Leadership Summit in 2023—a powerful day filled with leadership development workshops, cultural enrichment, and community dialogue. The 2025 summit aims to build on that momentum, once again offering a dynamic, affirming space where Black youth from across the county can come together to grow, lead, and be celebrated.
This yearʼs expanded event takes place on Saturday, August 16th, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm at Santa Barbara City College’s West Campus, located at 721 Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara. The Black Youth Leadership Summit creates a welcoming space for all Black/African American-identifying youth and aims to unite students, parents, educators, and community. members for a culturally immersive day. There are three key initiatives planned for the day: (1) gaining insights into historical Black leaders; (2) offering support to parents of Black youth through facilitated discussions and collaborative problem-solving; and (3) exploring the artistic expressions of our youth. This day is open to parents, students, and educators for grades 5 through 12 Countywide and is the largest event in Santa Barbara County for Black Youth with over 150 participants expected to attend this yearʼs event. The event is completely free for all attendees, including bus transportation for youth from mid- and North-County. Advance registration is required to participate using this link: https://bit.ly/BYLS2025.
