Before You Go

Youth Waiver

We must have a waiver on file for EVERY youth who attends the Youth Summit. All youth should be pre-registered and bring a waiver signed by their parent/legal guardian in order to be granted access to the Youth Summit venue. Youth will not be permitted to attend without submitting a waiver! 

Arrival, Check-In & Logistics

The 2026 DFCS-PCS Youth Summit will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 10 am - 3 pm at Columbus State University - Cunningham Center (3100 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA 31907). Doors open at 8:45 am, and all participants should arrive no later than 9:45 am in order to get checked in prior to our start. 

Schedule

9:15 - 9:45 am Check In

10 - 11 am Opening Session

11:15 am - 12:15 pm Workshop Session 1

12:15 - 12:50 pm Lunch

1 - 2 pm Workshop Session 2 

2:10 - 3 pm Closing Session

 

We are pleased to announce the following lineup of fantastic workshop presenters:

Keynote: Donovan Taylor Hall

Donovan Taylor Hall is an educator, coach, speaker, content creator, and, above all, a youth advocate. He believes deeply in youth empowerment as a pathway to moving society forward and aims to equip young people with tools to build a positive relationship with themselves. When a child has a positive self-identity, they are more likely to experience higher levels of life satisfaction, motivation, and self-determination. Donovan is committed to the full development of young people, not just their academic success. Through social-emotional learning, educational psychology, and positive youth development, he has created programs and curriculum designed to help kids become their own best friend. The goal of this work is not to prevent struggle, but to empower young people to care for themselves through the challenges that shape who they are.

Learn more by visiting his website at donovantaylorhall.com.

Keynote: Yvonne Harvey Williams

Yvonne Harvey Williams is one of the country’s most sought after motivational speakers for youth and young adults. With a powerful testimony of overcoming the odds, and a passion to see young people do the same, Yvonne shares with listeners advice based on her own personal story of victory and triumph.
 
Yvonne has been featured in magazines, newspapers, featured news stories and talk shows across the country sharing her passion and her purpose to reach youth and young adults introducing and leading them to better choices. More than a dynamic speaker, she is an author, CEO, mentor and TV personality.

Connect with Yvonne at instagram.com/yvonneinspires.