Previous Programs

An impact on the community

Since its founding in 2008, the Summer Symposium has trained over 500 high school students in the Buffalo area.
While many of its alumni are now entering high profile careers in government, public service, and diplomacy, virtually all of its participants have remarked that the program has inspired them to use their talents for the benefit of humanity, regardless of what profession they enter, creating a ripple effect.

Interns brainstorming with students for their program project

Students on first day of Summer Symposium 2016

Students with staff member Jim Gang

Student describing her painting during session with artist Nada Odeh

Looking at the last Three programs

The 2021 Program hosted over 70 students and teachers from 15 area schools and 15 international students.
Highlights included:

Syrian refugee and artist, Nada Odeh teaching how to make a difference through art
Panel discussion with Journey's End and Syrian refugee Sara
Students creating their own slam poetry and performing
Hearing from local activist Alicia Huff and her experience as an activist

The 2020 Program hosted over 75 students and teachers from 25 area schools via Zoom. Highlights included:

Becoming Culturally Competent and being an ally to minorities with Antoinette Amos
International lawyer David Crane speaking on women being used as a weapon of war
Human Rights Through Art with Nada Odeh is a Syrian artist, activist, humanitarian, and modern-day poet.
Skill building groups create community organizing projects on a topic of their interest

The 2019 Program hosted over 70 students and teachers from 25 area schools. Highlights included:

Visits with civil rights leaders at Underground Railroad site Michigan Street Baptist Church and the Underground Railroad Museum
Donating carts of supplies to a local refugee center
Connecting Harry Potter and Human Rights with Allida Black,
director of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project
Development of student-created events in their communities to raise awareness of causes they care about