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.
Hotel Information:
The Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia | 168 W Main Ave, Gastonia, NC, 28052
We’ve reserved a room block for attendees at the Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia. Don't forget to take advantage of the special conference rate.
Scholarships are available to support youth-serving organizations and professionals who live or work in Tier 1 counties. For more information on Tier 1 County Distress Rankings, visit NC Commerce County Distress Rankings (Tiers).
Important Dates:
- Proposal Submission Deadline:
CLOSED - Early Bird Registration: $75
Closes February 21, 2025 - General Registration: $125
Closes 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
- 1:30 pm - 3:15 pm Summit Opening and Welcome Remarks / Breakout Sessions
Breakout Option #1: 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
- 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Opening Keynote
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.
- 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Buffet Dinner and Networking
- 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Youth Panel
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Networking Dessert Reception
Wednesday April 9, 2025
- 7:00 am - 11:00 am Registration Opens
- 8:00 am - 9:00 am Breakfast
- 8:30 am - 9:30 am General Session
Join us for a energetic morning session with Leading to Change.
- 9:45 am - 10:45 am General Session
Join us for a session led by Marriotta Gary-Smith.
- 10:45 am - 12:00 pm Breakout Sessions
Breakout Option #1: 20 TOOLS IN 60 MINUTES: FREE and Innovative Tools To Raise Our Youth Engagement Game with Leading To Change
Breakout Option #2: The ABCs of Contraception: Empowering Adolescents with Informed Choices with Dr. Bianca Allison
Breakout Option #3: The Perception and Efficacy of Comprehensive Sexual Health Education in Youth/Young Adults in North Carolina with Iyana Beachem
Breakout Option #4: 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