The 2025 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, health & wellness, and more. This year’s theme, “Channeling Creativity through Arts and Athletics”, promises an exciting and inspiring lineup of speakers from across the country, including states like Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

The conference will take place at Kean University’s STEM building on May 1st, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature two interactive sessions focused on empowering creative and productive solutions around sensitive, often uncomfortable topics—what we call the “Unwanted Conversations.” These discussions will center on issues such as health & wellness, education, and law.

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 yet!

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 the two 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 between Kean University, House of Hearts Network, the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership, and the Latino Action Network Foundation . Last year’s conference hosted distinguished speakers such as the NJ State Assistant Attorney General, the North Carolina Democratic Chairwoman, state senators, and more than 15 high school students. 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!