6th Annual Kaiser Permanente Youth Summit Inspires VCUSD 8th Graders

Nearly 600 eighth graders from Hogan Middle, Loma Vista, Mare Island, Solano Widenmann, and Vallejo Charter gathered at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for VCUSD’s 6th Annual Kaiser Permanente Empower Youth Summit—an unforgettable day of motivation and empowerment.

Students heard from high-profile speakers in sports, entertainment, and healthcare, including Vallejo-native rapper LaRussell and R&B singer H.E.R., 49ers rookie Malik Mustapha, Kaiser Permanente physician and VCUSD graduate, Dr. Tanisha Silas-Young, motivational speaker Ovi Vasquez, and inspirational leader Dee Hankins. They shared powerful messages on resilience, leadership, mental health, career potential, growth, and the importance of making smart choices.

To prepare students for the transition to high school, peers from Vallejo High and Jesse Bethel presented engaging overviews of signature programs like the Law Academy and medical career pathways.

Special thanks to our partners, Kaiser Permanente, DJ PZB, and Hammond Entertainment, for making this event a meaningful milestone for VCUSD students!