Leading Today, Impacting Tomorrow – May 6, 2026

CPA Youth Prevention Summit
Wednesday, May 6th
Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA

Empowering youth advocates to champion prevention, strengthen communities, and influence the decisions that create real change.

About the Youth Summit

The Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) Annual Youth Summit equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for substance use prevention and access to youth-focused programs. Through their participation, youth work to create skills and environments that foster mental wellness and strengthen their communities, while contributing to coalition efforts and statewide prevention initiatives.

• Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
• Location: Main Rotunda, Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA
• Participation: Up to 10–12 coalitions/groups, up to 120 youth
• Stipend: $1,000 per coalition to offset participation expenses
• Learn More: Watch the 30-minute session recording for all the details, learn more about the Youth Prevention Alliance, coalition stipends, and how to apply.

What’s New in 2026: Youth Prevention Alliance

We are excited to introduce the Youth Prevention Alliance (YPA), a new initiative aimed at expanding youth prevention leadership and engagement. Each participating coalition may select up to two youth representatives to join the YPA. Members will receive training on Summit topics, including advocacy strategies, prevention best practices, and legislative engagement. Participating youth will also receive a gift card to recognize their contributions and time.

As part of their role, YPA members will have the opportunity to share their voices at the Summit press conference (May 6) or participate on a youth panel at the CPA Annual Conference (June 11). This conference experience includes in-person panel preparation and lunch during the conference, giving youth a platform to provide input on their needs and prevention strategies that work best in schools and communities.

Clarification for Coalition Leaders
While the YPA provides a special leadership opportunity for select youth from each coalition, the Summit remains open to participation by multiple youth coalition members. We encourage coalitions to apply and involve their youth in the Summit experience, regardless of whether they are selected for the YPA. Every participating youth will have meaningful ways to engage, learn, and contribute to statewide prevention efforts.

Summit Highlights

• Advocacy Training: Hands-on sessions covering legislative engagement, storytelling, and practical advocacy skills.
• Coalition Networking: Collaborate with youth from other coalitions to share ideas and best practices.
• Legislative Meetings: Meet with PA legislators and staff to influence decisions that strengthen prevention and the protective factors that support youth mental wellness.
• Media Engagement: Participate in press conferences and local interviews to amplify youth voices.

Expectations for Participating Coalition Adult Leader(s)

• Youth Participation: YPA members must attend pre-Summit trainings. Youth leaders must attend pre-Summit trainings scheduled for them.
• Adult Leaders: Adult leaders from participating coalitions must attend the pre-Summit trainings scheduled for them.
• Advocacy Commitment: Schedule at least one legislative visit on May 6th.
• Collaboration: Foster sharing of best practices across coalitions.
• Professional Conduct: Guide youth in representing themselves respectfully with legislators and media.
• Ongoing Advocacy: Encourage youth to continue advocacy efforts beyond the Summit.

Youth Panel at the CPA Conference
June 11, 2026, Hilton Harrisburg

• 4–6 Youth Summit participants will join a panel and share their advocacy experiences.
• Includes pre-panel training, a separate workshop, and lunch at the conference.
• Provides a platform to highlight youth perspectives and amplify their voices in prevention and youth mental health.

Important Dates

• October 10: Application Opens
• November 14: Application Closes
• January–May, 2026: YPA Trainings (Dates, TBD)
• May 6, 2026: Summit Day, Harrisburg
• June 11, 2026: Youth Panel, CPA Conference

Benefits for Youth Participants

• Leadership and advocacy skill development
• Provide input & feedback to help shape the Summit experience and the Conference panel
• Knowledge of effective substance use prevention strategies
• Statewide peer connections and networking
• Confidence in public speaking and media interviews
• Legislative and civic engagement experience
• Long-term community impact

Applications are Due by 5:00 pm
on  November 14, 2025

CPA’s 2025 Youth Summit Highlights

See More Videos