Jump Start 2026

This interactive, heart-centered training equips educators and leaders with four practical, research-informed strategies to engage any audience (students, families, staff, or stakeholders). Grounded in emotional intelligence, the session helps participants create inclusive spaces, build strong relationships, and spark lasting engagement across ages and roles. Participants will reflect and connect while gaining tools they can use immediately to increase participation, strengthen communication, and lead with intention no matter who’s in the room.

Explore digital design to cultivate student agency and self-expression. In this interactive session, we'll examine what creativity looks like in an AI-driven era through active digital content production.

Participants will gain hands-on experience using professional platforms like Adobe Express, learning to guide students in defining target audiences, building brand identities, and mastering graphic design fundamentals. By bridging the gap between students' digital passions and professional aspirations, this workshop provides practical insights into the creator economy, equipping educators to confidently guide students toward relevant 21st-century career pathways.

After-school professionals are often the first to notice when a child is struggling, yet many receive little training in recognizing and responding to youth mental health concerns. This interactive session will help participants understand common mental health challenges, distinguish typical behavior from signs of concern, and view behavior through a trauma-informed lens. Attendees will learn practical strategies to prevent and respond to dysregulation, support emotional well-being, and know when additional support may be needed. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools, activities, and resources they can immediately implement in their programs.

What could happen if young people learned to Think Big, Believe Big, Act Big, Invest Big, and Live Big? Designed for afterschool professionals, teachers, site leaders, and mentors serving youth ages 5–18, this interactive session brings the 10X Kids University mindset to life. Participants will explore engaging strategies that build confidence, goal-setting, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and influence. Through practical activities, attendees will learn how to help youth identify their potential, use money as a tool, turn ideas into action, and increase their positive impact. Leave ready to create little moments that prepare the next generation for lifelong success.