The Declaring Freedom Youth Conference is a transformative 2-day event hosted at Central CT State University on March 13 and 14, 2024. As part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this conference aims to empower students to exercise their voice and engage with the historical context and lasting legacy of America's founding documents. The event will feature evocative speakers and youth-centered action-based sessions, providing a unique opportunity for students to interact with 250 peers from across the state of Connecticut. Fourteen Connecticut high schools were selected and each school will select 18 students in grades 10 through 12 to attend. 

Conference Outline

Declaring Freedom Youth Conference Materials

• Educator Reading: Danielle Allen. Our Declaration. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2014.
• Declaring Freedom Classroom Materials
• Adult Media Release Form
• Student Permission Slip

Important Dates

• February 5, 2024 (7-8:30 PM): First Educator Meeting
• February 20, 2024 (7-8:30 PM): Second Educator Meeting
• February 21, 2024 (2:30-3:30 PM): Student Delegate Meeting
• March 13 and 14, 2024 (9-3 PM): Declaring Freedom Conference
• March 25, 2024 (7-8:30 PM): Final Educator Meeting

Application Period Closed December 21, 2023.