AADM Announces 2026 Youth Civil Rights Leadership Summer Camp
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATHENS, GA — The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is proud to announce its 2026 Youth Civil Rights Leadership Summer Camp, a transformative youth program designed to educate, empower, and inspire the next generation of leaders through civil rights education, public speaking, civic engagement, and experiential travel opportunities.
The summer camp is part of AADM’s ongoing “End the School-to-Prison Pipeline” Youth Program, an initiative focused on creating positive pathways for youth while addressing the long-term impacts of systemic inequities impacting students and families.
For years, AADM provided youth-centered programming through its Justice Center and Bookstore, including afterschool career mentorship, leadership development, and apprenticeship-based summer programming. When the organization closed its Justice Center location in 2023, many of those programs were paused. Since then, AADM has been working to rebuild and reimagine its youth initiatives in a way that is more community-centered and accessible.
The 2026 Civil Rights Leadership Summer Camp represents a new chapter in that work.
“This camp is about helping young people understand their history, strengthen their voice, and build the confidence to lead,” said Mokah Jasmine Johnson. “We want our youth to know they matter, that their voices have power, and that leadership can begin at any age.”
The program will provide students ages 13–18 with hands-on learning experiences centered on:
Public Speaking & Communication
Civil Rights & Black History Education
Leadership Development
Civic Engagement & Advocacy
Experiential Travel & Cultural Learning
AADM’s updated youth programming model will also focus on bringing services directly into schools and community spaces during the school year, helping eliminate barriers that prevent many students from participating in leadership and enrichment opportunities. If you would like to offer this program at your school or center please email admin@aadmovement.org.
Camp Details
Dates: June 22–26, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ages: 13–18
Lunch Included Daily
Scholarships Available
The week will conclude with a Friday Youth Showcase on June 26 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM, where students will present speeches, creative projects, and reflections from the program.
To register for the Civil Rights Leadership Summer Camp, visit:
www.aadmovement.org/events
and click Summer Camp.
For sponsorship opportunities, media inquiries, or partnership information, contact Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement.
