Foster Youth Gather For 15th Annual Youth Voices Summit

Concord, NH – On Thursday, August 1, more than 100 youth will gather at New England College in Henniker for the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Youth Voices Summit. The theme for this year’s 15th annual summit, developed by youth, is “Rap Music,” which will highlight the positive aspects of this art form as a means of self-expression and resilience. The event is geared toward current and former foster youth between ages 14 and 23.

Throughout the day, participants will attend educational workshops on topics such as obtaining a college degree, finding employment, choosing a career, budgeting, self-advocacy, forming healthy relationships, and locating help for substance abuse issues. In order to incorporate a youth perspective throughout the event, current and former youth in care will co-facilitate all workshops.

This year’s keynote speaker is Ethan Birch, a Fort Wayne, Indiana, native and graduate of Indiana University, who has dedicated his life to motivating youth through music. Ethan, also known as rapper Six 8, has been a vocal youth advocate at several national events, including the Future Business Leaders of America State Convention. In addition to providing the keynote address, Ethan will lead an afternoon workshop on positive rap.

The event will also include a listening session led by the Office of the Child Advocate and a youth talent show. Granite State College, DCYF’s Adolescent Program, and NH Youth Voices (the DCYF Youth Advisory Board) are co-sponsors of the summit.