Teen Summit RVA 2023 was the first of its kind regional high school leadership summit designed to connect students, in a safe space, to speak out and have their voices heard. Teen Summit RVA was a day designed to amplify youth voices against violence and address wellness. Students exchanged ideas on leadership pathways for positive change in the Richmond region. The event welcomed hundreds of diverse high school students who engaged in interactive experiences addressing various topics students selected mixed with the arts and entertainment – from gun violence and safety, drugs and mental health, culture, and equity in their school district and community. These experiences ranged from thought provoking conversations led by experts in their field to art and spoken word as a means of expression. In addition, teens explored careers and summer job opportunities in the InspireYouth@Work Career and Resource Fair.  Teen Summit RVA gave teens insights into how to work in their community to improve their wellbeing and to challenge social norms. The event provided a model for an annual series of teens meeting to lift teen voices as they address issues concerning their generation.

Teen Summit RVA 2023 was presented by the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico and the City of Richmond with support from each locality’s school division. The event was sponsored by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond and Virginia Career Works with support from nearly 20 contributing partners who provided financial and in-kind support.