EmPOWER Youth Summit

October 19, 2023

Bellevue Christian Center
1400 Harvell Drive, Bellevue, NE

The EmPOWER Youth Summit invites high school students together for a day of hope-filled education on mental wellness, self-care and other topics — with the goal that students leave feeling better equipped to advocate for themselves and others.

If you are interested in having a vendor booth at this event, please email Sadie Hinkel at shinkel@thekimfoundation.org.

Summit Agenda

8:00 – 8:45 – Student & chaperone check-in
8:45 – Welcome
9:00- 9:45 – Keynote: Kyler Erickson
9:45 – 10:00 – Sort students into breakout groups
10:00 – 10:25 – Icebreaker activity
10:30 – 10:55 – Session 1
11:00 – 11:25 – Session 2
11:30 – 11:55 – Session 3
12:00 – 12:30 – Lunch
12:40 – 1:05 – Session 4
1:10 – 1:35 – Session 5
1:45 – 2:10 – School planning session
2:15 – 2:40 – Concert with Jocelyn & closing remarks

Kyler Erickson

Jocelyn

About Our Keynote

As a senior in high school, Kyler Erickson witnessed a school shooting, done so by one of his classmates. As it turned his world upside down, he struggled to find hope in such a horrific time. It took him a year and a half to finally admit to, and seek help for, his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

He first talked to his family and close friends, telling them how much mental pain he was going through. Kyler went through months and months of vigorous therapy, a procedure called EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).

After being healed and finding peace, he followed his dreams and is currently speaking in Omaha, NE. Kyler is an ESPN Analyst, Speaker, and Director of Suicide Prevention. Kyler has not and will not stop showing people how much they are loved. He focuses on mental illness and overcoming obstacles. He’s a kid with an incredible story, and an even bigger heart. He refuses to be stopped, on his way to changing lives.

EmPOWER Sponsors

We are grateful for the support of all of our sponsors.

EmPOWER is funded by The Kim Foundation in partnership with Region 6 and the Metro Area Suicide Prevention Coalition. We’re grateful for their generous support.