Cleveland Youth Summit Inspires Future Leaders Through STEM and Social Connection

Last week, STEM Playbook joined the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Humanware Division for the 3rd Annual Youth Summit — a day of empowerment for Cleveland high school students passionate about making a difference.

With this year’s theme, “Healthy: Hearts, Minds, & Futures,” the Summit offered workshops focused on helping students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. More than 200 scholars from over 25 high schools came together to learn, connect, and build confidence as leaders in their schools and communities.

At the STEM Playbook station, students explored how science and technology power the sports they love — from computer vision and machine learning with the Nex system, to stat tracking for shooting accuracy and coding robots to score touchdowns. Students also tested their reaction time with drop-sticks and discovered how STEM connects to focus, agility, and performance both on and off the field.

The event also highlighted the City’s broader commitment to youth and families through Social Support Services, which provides safe spaces, free resources, and recreational opportunities across Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers (NRRCs). City staff engaged students in conversations about how to make rec centers more welcoming — and our team joined in, encouraging them to stay connected as we “pop up” with more STEM activations across Cleveland this fall and winter.

The Youth Summit proved once again that when young people are given the tools, trust, and opportunities to lead, they rise — bringing heart, innovation, and purpose to every challenge ahead.