Three Seminole State College GEAR UP students were selected alongside other students from across the United States to attend and participate in the 2024 Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) during the annual National GEAR UP conference July 21-24, in Washington D.C.

YLS’ theme this year was “Diplomacy Beyond Borders: Inspire, Connect, Transform.” The students learned how to be an efficient leader and have healthy leadership skills. The students were able to network with a diverse group of young adults and discuss the unique obstacles they had overcome to get where they are today.

The SSC GEAR UP participants included Korbyn Finch from Maud, Raygan Lee from Wetumka, and Hailey Mack from Varnum.

The three GEAR UP students and the GEAR UP staff also enjoyed an educational preconference. The places visited included Boston and Salem, Massachusetts, Newport, Rhode Island and New York City. Participants attended Wicked on Broadway, walked the Salem Witch Trial Trails and the Freedom Trail in Boston. They also visited several national monuments and toured Brown University, Harvard University and New York University.