Education Summit
8th Annual Education Summit
Online via Zoom: May 9, 2025
8 AM to 4:30 PM (6 CEU)
Come along as we explore uncharted territory: we’re addressing some of the most pressing concerns facing today’s and tomorrow’s youth. In the United States, there are roughly 25.8 million teenagers—millions of young individuals navigating a world that’s rapidly changing due to technological advances, social media, academic pressures, and societal expectations. At the heart of understanding youth mental health lies a deep recognition of the distinct challenges and complexities adolescents face during this crucial stage of life. Hear from teens and behavioral health professionals alike at this one of a kind Education Summit!
Course content is meeting the continuing education license requirements:
- Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board Provider Status for 6 CEUs approval #RCST012402
- Kentucky Board of Social Work continuing education sponsorship approval KBSWSP 2024025
- Peer Support Professionals
Sessions (so far)
Engaging Youth in Prevention: Building Resilience and Addressing Mental Health Challenges Through Evidence-Based Strategies
This session explores practical, evidence-based strategies to engage youth in mental health and substance use prevention programming. Participants will learn how to create meaningful connections with students, address trauma’s impact on mental health, and implement interactive methods that resonate with young people. The presentation will share lessons learned from real-world implementation of programs like Too Good for Drugs, Lifelines, and DBT STEPS-A. Attendees will leave with tools to foster resilience, identify unhealthy behaviors early, and effectively integrate mental health education into school and community settings.
HEY! Fellows Youth Panel
Hopeful Empowered Youth (HEY!) is advancing a 10-year strategy to improve youth mental health and well-being in the Greater Cincinnati Region. In this presentation, a panel of young people will share their experiences navigating systems and adults working in those systems. Participants will be introduced to the characteristics of Safe and Supportive Adults developed by the HEY! Fellows and the Safe and Welcoming Places Rubric.
Clicks and Consequences: Navigating the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media shapes the way people think, feel, and connect—so how can we help each other, particularly young people, navigate it in a healthy way? This session explores the real impact of social media on mental health, from self-esteem and emotional well-being to the risks of isolation and comparison. Parents and educators will learn to recognize warning signs of digital distress, ways to support balanced and mentally-healthy tech use, and ideas for how to promote meaningful connections both online and offline.
Youth Peer Support: Empowering Youth Voice in Mental Health Systems
Youth peer support isn’t just a program – it’s a reimagining of how communities support young peoples wellbeing and the role that youth play within it. Hear from the young leaders at the forefront of this youth-centered movement.
Members of Mental Health America’s Youth Policy Accelerator will demonstrate how youth peer support transforms mental health services through lived experience and policy advocacy. Participants will learn about the principles, impact, and community framework for youth peer support – from universal approaches that build mental health literacy among all young people to targeted peer-delivered services. The presentation will highlight successful models and discuss policy pathways for overcoming common implementation barriers. You’ll leave with actionable knowledge to advance youth peer support in your community and contribute to systems-level change, led by the very youth these systems are meant to serve.
Understanding and Supporting Gender Non-Conforming and Neurodivergent Youth: Best Practices for Schools & Mental Health Professionals
Neurodivergent youth—particularly those with autism—are disproportionately more likely to identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming (Strang et al., 2021). Despite this strong intersection, schools and mental health professionals often lack the training, policies, and inclusive practices needed to adequately support them. This session will:
- Explore recent research on the overlap of neurodivergence and gender diversity
- Highlight the use of Photovoice methodology — a participatory, visual research approach that empowers students to share their lived experiences through photography and personal narratives
- Identify the unique challenges these students face
- Provide actionable strategies to create affirming, including, and flexible learning environments
- Address the current policy climate and discuss ways to advocate for students within existing legal frameworks
Youth Suicide: An Ever Rising Concern
Today’s youth are currently in what many call a Mental Health Epidemic, and a major cause of this struggle is the ever-increasing youth suicide rate. This session will explore the prevalence of suicide and self-harm in the child and adolescent population and what we can do as a society to support youth through these struggles.
You can sponsor this event!
We’re looking for caring organizations that wish to support the efforts of MHANKYSWOH to further educate and build a community that advocates for youth mental wellness. Learn more about sponsorships and sign up today!
We are thankful for our 2024 Program Sponsors:
Tier 1 Sponsors
Tier 2 Sponsors
Tier 3 Sponsors
