World Youth Foundation in conjunction with a host of sponsors and partners including City of Houston, Houston Health Department, Houston Health Department Foundation, My Brother’s Keeper, and HEB to name a few hosted their annual Back 2 School Summit.

Kicking off the summit was a grand parade featuring Southside Ravens Cheer team, 2Xclusive Dance team, and Jack Yates High School drumline. Throughout the summit there were other performances by The Swagg Boiz step team, The Fountain of Praise Youth Praise Team and Ambassadors Int’l Ballet Folklorico.

Students enjoyed workshops on Artificial Intelligence (AI), vendors, food, bounce houses, music and much more be- fore receiving their backpacks of supplies. Select students also received over 500 hours of community service for attending and serving at the Back 2 School Summit.

Special guest, Councilwoman Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz present- ed World Youth Foundation CEO, Karen Franklin, with a special acknowledgement from the City of Houston for their 33 years of service within the Houston community.

Following Councilwoman Shabazz, there was a surprise visit from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who addressed the attending students, encouraging them to have a great school year, stay focused on their goals, and to apply some things they have learned at the summit to their upcoming 2023-2024 school year.