Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned expert, the 2025 Adolescent Health Spring Summit is your opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the future of adolescent health in North Carolina.
Over two days, attendees will hear from forward-thinking speakers, connect with peers from across the state, and participate in sessions designed to inspire and equip you with the tools needed to promote healthy behaviors and positive youth outcomes. Fact Forward is recognized for designing learning experiences that equip professionals to make a meaningful and lasting impact, so this is an event you don't want to miss.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring keynote speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions.
- Opportunities to receive 1:1 Programmatic Technical Assistance.
- Actionable strategies to continue making a lasting impact on the well-being of adolescents.
- Earn CEUs to enhance your professional development.
Important Dates:
- Proposal Submission Deadline:
CLOSED - Early Bird Registration: CLOSED
- General Registration: $125
Closed March 17, 2025 - Programmatic Technical Assistance Sessions:
April 9, 2025 - Spring Summit:
April 8-9, 2025
Summit Details:
What's on the agenda?
April 8, 2025
9:00am-7:00pm
- Pre-Summit Session: Representation in Sex Education with Dr. Tanya Bass Part 2 - $50 | Lunch included
- Registration and Networking
- Summit begins at 1:30pm
- General Keynote, Breakout Sessions
- Buffet Dinner, Dessert, CEUs and Networking
- Youth Panel
April 9, 2025
8:00am - 3:00pm
- General and Breakout Sessions
- Programmatic Technical Assistance Sessions- FREE
- CEUs and Breakfast Included
Summit Location:
Gastonia Conference Center
145 Dr M.L.K. Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
What's on the agenda? Check out the schedule at-a-glance!
Tuesday April 8, 2025
- 8:00 am - 9:00 am Pre-Summit Registration Opens
- 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Pre-Summit Session
Representation in Sex Education with Dr. Tanya Bass. Participants will explore innovative strategies to integrate DEIB principles effectively within their curricula and educational practices. The session will include interactive discussions, providing educators with real-world examples and actionable insights.
- 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm Summit Registration
- 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Networking Activity / Summit Opening and Welcome Remarks
- 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm Breakout Sessions
- Relationship experiences among pregnant and/or parenting adolescent females ages 14-19 years of age: Reproductive Coercion Study with Dr. Cheryl Kovar
- Breakout Option #2: Build a Skill: Designing a Skills Based Family Communication Workshop with Lauren Barineau
- Breakout Option #3: Innovative Solution "Adolescent Friendly Provisions of Care Pilot Project" with Keith Hill and Rachael Schmidt
- 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm Opening Keynote: Powering Connection and Change with Samuel Bellamy
Samuel Bellamy will keynote the 2025 NC Adolescent Health Spring Summit! With 10+ years of experience mentoring young men of color, he strengthens community and school-based programs, providing resources that drive lasting impact.
- 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm Buffet Dinner and Networking
- 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm State of Adolescent Health | Youth Panel
In this session, speakers will provide a snapshot of adolescent health in NC, including a presentation of results from recent surveys conducted with parents and youth. These insights will shed light on perceptions, experiences, and needs directly from the community's perspective. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of current adolescent health services and identify specific areas of strength and improvement.
This interactive youth panel will offer a powerful, facilitated conversation where young leaders from the Fact Forward Youth Leadership Council share their lived experiences navigating health services. Through their own questions, youth will highlight the challenges and successes they’ve encountered when working with youth-serving professionals. They will offer candid insights into what young people truly need, what makes them feel respected and heard, and how professionals can create safe, supportive environments. This session is designed to challenge assumptions, foster open dialogue, and provide actionable recommendations to improve youth-centered care. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to build meaningful, trust-based relationships with young people
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Networking Dessert Reception
Wednesday April 9, 2025
- 7:00 am - 11:00 am Registration Opens
- 8:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast Sponsored by Leading to Change
- 9:45 am - 10:45 am General Session: Serve the Best Lemonade: Turning Challenges into Impact with Kyle Greene
Working with youth comes with its share of lemons—challenges, setbacks, and tough moments. But the true power of impact lies in how we respond. “Serve the Best Lemonade” is a high-energy, inspiring message that challenges professionals to embrace the challenges, shift their mindset, and turn obstacles into opportunities for the young people they serve.
This session will reignite your passion, purpose, and commitment to making a difference through powerful storytelling, real-world strategies, and fresh perspective. Because when we lead with authenticity, connection, and resilience, we don’t just serve—we transform lives.- 10:45 am - 12:00 pm Breakout Sessions
- 15 TOOLS IN 75 MINUTES: FREE and Innovative Tools To Raise Our Youth Engagement Game with Leading To Change
- The ABCs of Contraception: Empowering Adolescents with Informed Choices with Dr. Bianca Allison
- The Perception and Efficacy of Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Youth/Young Adults in North Carolina with Iyana Beachem
- From Birds and Bees to Sexual Histories: Innovative strategies for increasing quality adolescent sexual health services with Katrina James
- 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm Conference Closing Activity