PITTSBURG – This year’s Contra Costa Youth Summit will have two dynamic presentations to kick off the day long fair at Pittsburg High School on May 9.
Shaun Derik, who was able to fully engage the young people at last year’s Youth Summit, will be back to deliver his message of overcoming obstacles to achieve one’s dreams.
New to the yearly event is Jeffrey Vinokaur, a 24-year old scientist who somehow has been able to combine his science with hip-hop. He has had guest appearances on the Today Show, The View and America’s Got Talent, and the Discovery Channel among others.
“I’m so excited that we’ll be able to present these two speakers to the county’s young people,” said Supervisor Federal Glover, who has sponsored the event for 15 years. “Hopefully, the youth will be inspired to expand their horizons and use the available resources here and learn how they can affect their own futures and improve their communities.”
Vinokaur’s program called “So You Think You Can Do Science” is a one of a kind show that provides education and entertainment through exciting chemistry demonstrations. The show is designed to inspire young people and spark their imagination. The presentation encourages them to explore the possibility of a career in science. There is simply no comparison between reading about science in a textbook and seeing it happen right before your eyes. When it happens right in front of you, you never forget it.
The dancing was incorporated in his presentation to break down the walls between the youth and the scientist. It also explodes the stereotype of the “uncool” scientist.
Derik is the first Youth Summit keynote speaker to be asked to return the following year. Supervisor Glover was impressed with Derik’s ability to capture and hold the student audience’s attention for a full hour by combining dance, music and song to deliver his inspirational message of overcoming adversity to achieve one’s dreams.
The 2015 Youth Summit is free and is aimed at students from 5th grade to 12th grade. It will be held on May 9, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Pittsburg High School, Harbor and School streets, Pittsburg
In addition to the keynote speakers at the 2015 Youth Summit, there will be a plethora of workshops the young people can choose to attend: from financial advice, leadership, the realities of college life, self-enrichment, how to get a job and how young people can make a difference in their communities.
Some activities include a fitness challenge, contemporary dance lessons, a canine demonstration, an up-close look at fire engines, ambulances and 3-on-3 basketball.
A light breakfast and a healthy lunch will be provided by the Pittsburg Unified School District. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at www.d5youthsummit.com.
