The Summer Youth Institute is a curated learning experience for rising sophomore and junior high school students who are Mississippi residents.

SYI develops leadership, self-awareness, and community appreciation in students who desire to make an impact. Students participate in themed workshops where they:

• Learn the importance of relationship-building;
• Internalize the value of using their voices;
• Learn the significance of social and personal mindfulness and civic engagement.

Summer Youth Institute Application Process

• SYI applications are released online each spring. Applicants will be asked to provide an essay as part of the application.
• Fifty students are selected for phone interviews in groups of five to seven. Interviews focus on expectations for SYI and any clarifications about applications.
• Twenty-eight participants are selected, along with eight to ten alternates
• The #1 quality we look for in an applicant is enthusiasm! Passion for making positive changes in your community, for learning new skills, and forming new friendships are important for SYI participants.

Mentors

• Young adults, college grads, grad students, and educators (usually between ages 22-30) who will serve as a role model and confidante for SYI students
• Experience working with culturally and/or socio-economically diverse young people
• Solid knowledge base of U.S. racial history, civil rights and human rights history, and anti-oppression/anti-racist frameworks
• From diverse backgrounds and experiences; we’ve had Mentors from Mississippi to South Africa, Columbia University to the University of Washington
• Passionate about helping young people realize their potential. Highly motivated, patient, and energetic. Model appropriate and respectful behavior, while maintaining a very high level of professionalism.

History

• The Summer Youth Institute grew out of a group of University of Mississippi students who wanted to help nurture Mississippi’s next generation of leaders.
• That diverse group of young visionaries sought to develop an experience for younger Mississippians to learn to lead with equity, justice, history, and possibility in mind. 
• Their vision, supported by the (then) Winter Institute and the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, resulted in the first summer training in 2010.
• Every summer since, a new cohort of participants has experienced the Summer Youth Institute.