2026 EMPIRE PROMISE YOUTH SUMMIT

The 22nd Annual Empire Promise Youth Summit

Survivor: Rise of the Heroes and the Power Within

From April 28–30, 2026, students from across New York State gathered for the 22nd Annual Empire Promise Youth Summit. This year's theme, "Survivor: Rise of the Heroes and the Power Within," challenged students to think differently about what it means to be powerful — proving that true heroes rise not through superhuman strength, but through courage, resilience, and the strength to stand up for what's right.

Discovering the Power Within

Over three days, students joined their "tribes" and discovered their own inner superpowers — the unique strengths, from courage to creativity to empathy, that would guide them through every challenge. Inspired by Ms. Marvel, Black Widow, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Captain America, tribes rotated through five hero-themed challenges at the Hero Academy, each designed to test them physically, mentally, and emotionally:

• Wolverine: The Taken – A Survival Mission
  An immersive scavenger-style mission built around loyalty and grit, as tribes followed clues to bring back a "taken" member of their own.

• Black Widow: Redacted – Question Everything
  An undercover-style workshop where tribes decoded hidden messages in the world around them and presented a "Truth Drop" challenging the narrative.

• Captain America: Strength in Unity – The Hero's Gauntlet
  A high-energy outdoor obstacle course testing strength, strategy, and unity, inspired by Sam Wilson's journey as Captain America.

• Ms. Marvel: Embrace the Stretch – Owning Who You Are
  A workshop on identity and self-reflection, encouraging students to turn what makes them different into what makes them powerful.

• Spider-Man: Into the Web – Rise to the Challenge
  A fast-paced series of challenges with ever-changing rules, testing students' ability to adapt, stay cool under pressure, and support their team.

Highlights from the Summit

The summit opened with the Survivor: Rise of the Heroes Kick-Off Dinner, followed by an evening of Survivor and Open Mic performances. Each morning began with optional yoga, and students spent the second day fully immersed in their Hero Academy tribe challenges before dressing up for a Heroes Quest Award Presentation and Dinner, capped off with a costume dance party.

A central part of this year's journey was the Heroes Quest, a multi-month personal development challenge that pushed students outside their comfort zones through a 48-hour digital detox, walking goals, daily gratitude practices, a 21-day wellness challenge, and more. Every student who completed the Quest was honored at the summit, and one student who demonstrated exceptional perseverance and personal growth was awarded a $1,000 prize.

The summit also spotlighted "Everyday People," a statewide music video compilation featuring LPP students from across New York, created to kick off the year-long Hero theme with a simple message: heroes don't always wear capes — they show up, lift others, and lead with courage. Students were also reminded that they don't need superpowers to make an impact, with practical calls to action for being an everyday hero at home, at school, and in the world through kindness, courage, compassion, and integrity.

Throughout the summit, students were supported by the "Summit Hero Squad" and the Green Capes support team, a group of social work professionals offering calming, constructive support, alongside a dedicated security team keeping every activity safe.

Final Tribal Council

The summit culminated in the Final Tribal Council, where tribes reflected on their journeys and showcased the strength, resilience, and power they discovered within themselves and each other. Students wrapped up their three days together with a final breakfast, a survey, and a LEGO prize drawing before heading home — with a renewed belief that they already have what it takes to rise.

Impact and Community

Once again, the Empire Promise Youth Summit proved that heroes aren't born — they choose to act. Through teamwork, self-discovery, and small acts of everyday courage, students left the summit not just having played the role of a hero, but having recognized the hero already within them.

Continue the journey with the 2025 Empire Promise Youth Summit, Survivor: Inside Out.