Youth & Family Summit for Parents 

Group shot of parents and guardians at the Youth & Family Summit. In the front row, two women are holding up white cards and smiling toward the camera.

Parents and caregivers attend a separate Family Summit that happens at the same time as the Youth Summit. It’s an opportunity for parents to learn more about how to support their young people, connect with other parents going through similar experiences, and discover new resources and support. 

Parents do NOT apply for the Youth & Family Summit. Only youth apply, and accepted youth under 18 must have a parent/guardian attend with them.  Parent information is submitted with the Youth’s application. Learn more about the application process.

Support for You and Your Child Before and During the Summit

We do everything we can to ensure that all students are able to attend the Summit. While the initial application does not ask for information about your child’s specific disabilities, once they are selected, we reach out to gather information about their unique preferences, needs, and accommodations. Before the event, someone from our team will call you to talk through everything that your child needs and answer any questions you have so that you can be comfortable and prepared. 

Meet the Team Running the Summit

The Youth & Family Summit is run and supported by the I’m Determined State Team. The entire team supports youth and families at the event so everyone can have a wonderful time. Learn more about the members of the team:

Determinators

Group shot of the Determinators at the 2024 Youth & Family Summit, wearing blue shirts with the I'm Determined rocket logo. Determinators are adult staff members who provide support to participants throughout the Summit.

Adult staff who all are part of Virginia’s Training & Technical Assistance Centers. Determinators are professionals (mostly previous special educators and service providers) who work with K-12 schools to increase the outcomes for students with disabilities. At the event, they work with State Youth Leaders to facilitate sessions for attendees, answer questions, and help guide the momentum of the event.

State Youth Leaders

Colorful 5 x 4 grid with photos of I'm Determined Youth Leaders in each box.

Young adults with disabilities, ages 13-21, who work with Determinators year-round, get youth leadership training, and act as facilitators during youth sessions. These amazing individuals are at the event to help welcome families and increase the success of each participant. They facilitate sessions, lead panel discussions, and even DJ at the social!

Support Staff

Group shot of the support staff from the 2024 Youth & Family Summit. Everyone is smiling, wearing I'm Determined T-shirts with name tag lanyards hanging from their necks.

A team of 8-10 specialists who act as another layer of support for any attendee who may need it. Support staff help attendees participate to their fullest capacity.

State Coordinators & Family Specialists

Posed shot of the two State Coordinators and two Family Specialists, who provide leadership and support at the Youth & Family Summit.

Adult staff who oversee the operations of the event, help problem-solve as needed, and support the Determinators, Youth Leaders, and Family Leaders to create an amazing experience for all who attend.

Family Leaders

Family Leaders posing as a group with their hands in the air celebrating. These leaders are parents of Youth Leaders and provide support to the parents and guardians who attend the Youth & Family Summit.

Parents of State Youth Leaders who attend the Family Summit help welcome parents and caregivers, facilitate sessions, and connect attendees to people and resources.