The 2026 Breaking Barriers Conference, held under the umbrella of the Breaking Barriers Initiative, will be a powerful, one-day event for high school and college students, offering an opportunity to engage with peer leaders, officials, and influencers from various fields including education, law, legislature, medicine and health, and more. This year’s theme, “Pathways Into Health & Justice”, promises an exciting and inspiring lineup of speakers from across the country, including states like New York, Washington D.C, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

The conference will take place at Kean University’s STEM building on April 24th, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature six interactive sessions focused on pathways into higher education and professional spaces in the areas of health/medicine and law/legislative fields, often uncomfortable and stigmatized topics—what we call the “Unwanted Conversations.”

Unlike most youth conferences, this event will be led by youth, showcasing the leadership and talent of the next generation. With a stellar lineup of speakers to be announced soon, the conference promises to be the most powerful gathering of high school and college students in New Jersey this year!

In addition to the impactful sessions, last year’s conference featured performances from the Elizabeth Youth Theatre Ensemble, adding a creative and inspiring element to the day. We also had scouts from over 10 colleges around the country in attendance, providing students with opportunities for networking and college recruitment. This year, we’ll be bringing even more exciting performances and opportunities for students to engage with higher education institutions!

All attendees will also receive a community service certificate for their participation. Lunch will be provided at no cost between sessions. As space is limited, we encourage all students to register early and only commit if they are able to attend.

The Breaking Barriers Conference is a collaboration Kean University, House of Hearts Network Foundation, and the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership. Last year’s conference hosted distinguished speakers such as the NJ State Assistant Attorney General, the Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, and more than 15 high school student speakers! This year, we’re aiming to expand our reach by bringing even more young professionals together to ensure that the conversation and resources impact as many as possible.

Don’t miss this rare and impactful opportunity—join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and empowerment!