“Beyond High School” Featured Everything From Restorative Justice, Mental Health, Networking, and Career Planning to Financial Literacy and Nutrition Education
Reynoso’s Youth Advisory Council of 16 Brooklyn High Schoolers Organized the Beyond High School Summit
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BROOKLYN, NY (March 18, 2026) – Last Thursday, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso welcomed hundreds of Brooklyn high school students to St. Francis College for “Beyond High School,” a teen summit featuring workshops on personal growth, mental well-being, and essential life skills. The summit featured interactive workshops and experiences designed to equip young people with the tools and resources they need to navigate high school and beyond, covering topics from restorative justice and mental health to financial literacy, career exploration, networking, nutrition education, and leadership development.
“When our young people start thinking about life beyond high school, they deserve more than just advice — they deserve to see a future full of opportunities,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “This summit is about opening doors and making sure our students can access the mentors, resources, and support they need to thrive. I’m proud of my Youth Advisory Council for bringing their vision to life and thankful to the Brooklyn North and South High School Superintendents, Sadie Nash Leadership Project, St. Francis College, and the many organizations who partnered with us to show support for these young Brooklynites.”
The “Beyond High School” summit was developed and organized by Borough President Reynoso’s inaugural Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a cohort of 16 juniors and seniors from New York City public schools working together to identify issues around Brooklyn and solve them through policy-based solutions. Through the program, which is led in partnership with Brooklyn North and Brooklyn South High School Superintendents and Sadie Nash Leadership Project, students are learning how to organize around causes that are important to them, gain a better understanding of the institutions that govern their lives, and implement this knowledge through grassroots work in their communities.
Thursday’s event featured sessions led by community organizations dedicated to youth empowerment. Some workshops presented include: Circle Keepers’ Becoming a Circle Keeper: Youth-Led Restorative Justice; Mahogany Mental Health Counseling’s Steps: Making Wise Decisions When You Don’t Have It All Figured Out; Build.org’s Game On: Networking and Career Planning; Seek Legacy Now’s College Money Moves: Financial Literacy Before You Commit; For Better Inc.’s Better Health Program: Nutrition Education Workshop; Aya Collective’s Beyond High School: The Brooklyn Edition; The Center for Young Black Healers Inc.’s Next Gen Care: Invent Your Career in Mental Health; and Financial Revolutionn’s 5 Money Moves Every Teen Should Master.
“St. Francis College has an unrivaled track record of preparing students to succeed in college, careers, and life,” said St. Francis College President Tim Cecere. “Hosting the ‘Beyond High School’ summit is a reflection of our continued commitment to supporting Brooklyn’s young people as they begin thinking about their futures and the many opportunities ahead.”
“Sadie Nash is honored to support the brilliance of the BPO’s Youth Advisory Council. This year’s summit on postsecondary pathways underscored how important it is to support young people as they imagine, explore, and pursue their futures. The insight and leadership of the young people of Brooklyn is essential as we work toward communities that are more just, supportive, and full of possibility. Sadie Nash is honored to be a part of this incredible and important mission,” said Tené A. Howard, Executive Director of Sadie Nash Leadership Project.
“Our collaboration ensures that our students have direct access to today’s leaders while deepening their understanding of the social challenges impacting their communities,” said Rushell White, Superintendent of Brooklyn North High Schools.
“Our students are the heart and future of Brooklyn South and seeing them lead the Beyond High School summit fills me with tremendous pride. The Youth Advisory Council reminds us that when young people are trusted with responsibility and given space to lead, they rise with vision, courage, and purpose. This summit reflects the very best of our students, compassionate, thoughtful, creative leaders who are committed to strengthening their communities and shaping a better Brooklyn for everyone. I am deeply grateful to the Borough President, Donovan Swanson, and all of our partners for believing in our young people and helping create a platform where their voices are heard, valued, and celebrated,” said Michael Prayor, Superintendent of Brooklyn South High Schools.
“As a part of the first and second cohort of the Brooklyn Borough Hall’s Youth Advisory Council, I can say with confidence that I believe in young people. The influx of student leaders from across Brooklyn may seem daunting, but with Sadie Nash and Borough Hall adult allies, there is never doubt or hesitancy. This opportunity has connected me with an abundance of beliefs and lived experiences from students across Brooklyn North and South. In spite of our differences, the environment curated within Borough Hall connects us with our purpose. The purpose of creating a more accessible, represented, and safe Brooklyn for our communities,” said Karen Lin, Youth Advisory Council Member.
“Joining the Youth Advisory Council gave me the opportunity to work with some of the most hardworking and talented Brooklyn High School students. Working in this YAC committee, Sadie Nash and Borough President Antonio Reynoso has to be one of my best high school experiences. Planning this summit and creating impact in the Brooklyn community has been a beautiful and joyful experience,” said Matthew Jacome, Youth Advisory Council Member.
