2026 Experiences
Students have the opportunity to engage in three break-out interactive experiences that address social issues that are impacting youth today – mixed with the arts and entertainment. 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 explore summer job opportunities in the InspireYouth@Work Career and Resource Fair.
Entrepreneur Cluster
The Entrepreneur cluster is meant to attract students who are interested in starting their own business and building confidence in being self-employed.
Be Your Own Boss: Entrepreneurship Panel
Micah White
In this interactive panel session, Richmond-area teens will explore entrepreneurship—how ideas turn into action, why discipline matters, how to dream big but stay realistic, and why education is key to building long-term success.
How to Build, Brand, and Pitch Your Business Idea
Kerwyn Phillip – Youth Business Exchange
Pamela Spratley – The Enough Foundation
Students will develop a plan to market and promote a product and learn key elements in building a brand.
Money Starts Here
Monica Van Arsdale – Virginia Credit Union
Money Starts Here is a fun, hands-on workshop with Virginia Credit Union that helps teens understand their first paycheck, start saving with confidence, and see the limitless possibilities of smart money choices.
Public Speaking & Networking
Challenge Discovery
Secure the Bag
Secure the Bag is an interactive youth empowerment session designed to help young people recognize their unique strengths, amplify their personal voice, and build meaningful connections that support long-term success.
Critical Thinking and Creativity Cluster
The Critical Thinking & Creativity cluster caters to students looking for ways to express themselves creatively and further expand their big dreams and bright ideas.
Art & Impact: Limitless Look like this
Matt Ham & Art 180
Create a unique mixed-media poster that speaks to your identity, dreams, values & power. Leave with an art piece that reflects you, and a reminder that you are limitless and creativity is a tool.
Visionary In Action – From Dreaming to Doing
A high-impact, interactive workshop designed to help teens move from “I want to” to “I will do” to “I’m doing.” Through mindfulness, mindset shifts, habit-building, and a hands-on goal-mapping activity, participants learn how to break big dreams into manageable steps.
The Culture Debates
Kelli Lemon
Culture Check: What We See, Hear & Believe
Her Journey Home: Limitless Travel
Angela Patton – Girls for a Change
Girls introduce themselves and share why global exposure matters to them A short reflection on what “travel” means beyond planes and passports.
Become The Thinker: Learn the Hard Parts of Problem Solving
Odist Powel – YMCA
In this workshop you will explore select YMCAs departments and programs such as Youth Sports, Leaders’ Club, Community Outreach, and more. Learning not how you can fit in these spaces but how can these spaces fit YOU! Get partnered with your local Y.
Life Cluster
The Life cluster helps students understand the nuance of what it takes to be a productive adult, how the world is currently changing around them and what they can do to make the most of it.
Surviving the Social Jungle
Amber Perez – YMCA
Dive into an alternate reality – The Oasis! This session will challenge you to go against social norms and use teamwork to overcome challenges that you face. Work together to create a utopia that everyone will appreciate and thrive in.
Fitness & Nutrition Matters
Fit for Kids X Sports Backers
Discover how healthy habits can boost your energy, confidence, and leadership potential! This interactive session will explore the essentials of fitness and nutrition, from smart meal choices to simple exercises that fit into a busy schedule. Learn how taking care of your body helps you stay focused, resilient, and ready to lead.
Inspire Youth @ Work Job Fair
VA Career Works
Under the Influence
The Youth Ambassador Street Team (YAST)
The Youth Ambassador Street Team (YAST) is a group of Henrico County student leaders dedicated to youth substance use prevention and healthy decisions. YAST achieves its goals through empowering peers, leading social awareness campaigns, advocating to legislators, and leading workshops for parents and/or youth.
Career Exploration Cluster
The Career Exploration cluster gives students the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences that explores the different professions within a career field.
AI in Your Life
Liz Baker – Global Initiative for AI & Humanity
Students will learn to use AI tools to enrich their learning, strengthen their college applications, and launch themselves into rewarding careers.
Healthcare Panel
This is an interactive discussion on the diverse world of healthcare careers! This panel will highlight the many paths available in this dynamic industry. Learn what skills are in demand, how leadership plays a role in patient care, and discover how you can make a meaningful impact on communities through healthcare.
Limitless Futures: College Prep/ Scholarship Workshop
Tracy Brower – Partnership for the Future
Discover what it means to be limitless in your college journey! This interactive session helps you explore your goals, find real scholarships, & build a personalized plan to make college possible.
Get Outside: Careers in the Outdoors
Cheyenne Palmo – Lewis Ginter
Do you love being outside? Dread the thought of working behind a desk every day? Discover potential careers in the outdoor setting through this engaging, discussion-based session. End the session with a “pot your own plant” project!
The Language of Beats: Music Production Workshop
Javell Bullard (2Hei)
An inside look at how producers use rhythm, sound, and intention to turn emotion into ideas and then into music.
