African American Leadership Conference
Women's Conference
Friday, February 7, 2025
University Center Ballroom, UT Martin
For information, please call 731-881-7298
ALStar African American Youth Leadership Summit
January 29, 2025
UT Martin Ballroom
For information, please call 731-881-7298
Conference Mission
This conference is specifically designed for students (high school sophomores in West Tennessee) who have incredible potential but lack the encouragement and resources to take their talents to the next level. Students will have their eyes opened to different career paths, how to prepare for post-secondary education, and learn steps that need to be taken to make their present goals a future reality. The purpose of the conference is to give this select group of students a chance to develop leadership skills, soft skills (communication, teamwork, adaptability, dependability, flexibility, etc.), hear from leaders in the region, and learn the importance of community involvement. Student(s) will be selected by their superintendent/principal/counselor to attend.
WestStar 2025 Graduation Banquet
June 17, 2025
UT Martin Ballroom
FutureStar Youth Summit
Date to be determined soon
UT Martin, University Center
This is for 8th graders from “any” middle school (public/private) in West Tennessee. We hope their experience at the Summit would plant a “seed” for these students attending that would help them understand the personal value of an education and would spark a desire in them to attend college.
We are looking for students who “need the extra push” to reach their potential. These are students who may not have been on a college campus before, those who need extra support from home and those who need the extra encouragement for success. We are able to offer this “free of charge” with the financial support of WestStar alumni from that county that the child resides in. Sponsorship is $50 per child. WestStar suggests that each middle school select no more than two (2) students to attend. This will encourage higher interaction among the students from different schools. This will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Vaughn RisingStar Youth Summit
May 29-30, 2025
UT Martin
Registration will open March 10, 2025
This is for high school juniors from “any” high school (public/private) in West Tennessee. The purpose of the RisingStar Leadership Summit is to give student leaders across West Tennessee a chance to develop leadership skills and learn the importance of community involvement. The cost of the summit is $120 per student which covers hotel room, meals, and materials. WestStar suggests that each school select no more than two (2) students per high school to attend. This will encourage higher interaction among the students from different schools.