The Albany State University Center for the African American Male will welcome middle school males age six to eight to the annual Winter Youth Summit, Friday, Feb 24. The Summit begins at 9 a.m. in the Health Physical Education and Recreation Gymnasium located on the East Campus. The summit’s theme is “A Bridge to College.”

“CAAM invites Southwest Georgia and North Florida middle school boys to our conference where they will be entertained with high speed breakout sessions in science, technology, engineering, math and robotics. They will have a presentation on higher education and the importance of leadership. We will also do a health and wellness component of our summit,” said Antonio Leroy, executive director of CAAM.

The purpose of the event is to inspire middle school boys to develop sound leadership traits early. An estimated 700 to 1000 middle school males are expected to attend.

“The students that participate in these programs show less behavioral problems in the classroom and look forward to this event every year,” said Lakeisha Covin, parent teacher coordinator at Albany Middle School.

During the conference, students will be broken into groups to engage in high energy academic and motivational sessions, which allot time for social engagement among peers.

“We mentor our students on a personal level. We facilitate the event throughout the day, and make sure they get from one breakout session to another,” said Sean Whorton, CAAM president.

Speakers for the CAAM 2017 Winter Youth Summit include Vicki Philips, ASU director of student health services; Dennis Courtney, engineering instructor at Albany Technical College and Jaylon O’Neal, published author and ASU student. Special performances will be made by ASU Greek organizations. Youth Summit participants will also tour Albany State University and dine on campus.