Our Purpose
Our Mission
To resurrect and reimagine the legacy of BET's original Teen Summit by creating a 21st-century platform where youth can The Dialogue complex civic issues, build their personal brands, and be heard as the leaders they already are.
We believe that young people have sophisticated perspectives on complex issues. We believe that hip-hop, youth culture, and civic engagement create a wonderful partnership. Though some teens may like other forms of music which will be explored on the show, historically, hip-hop serves an important aesthetic that informs our pedagogy and program delivery. And we believe that when you give young people the tools, training, and platform, they'll change everything.
Our Vision
To build a sustainable media and civic engagement ecosystem that validates youth voices, supports personal brand development (Academic Civic NIL), and creates pathways to meaningful influence.
Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix brings Central Illinois youth into civic media and dialogue. The pilot is in post-production; broadcast details will be announced by Illinois Public Media.
The Legacy
From 1989 to 2002, BET's Teen Summit was the only nationally televised show giving Black teens a platform to discuss real issues, from education and racism to violence and identity. Hosted by the legendary T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh, the show proved that young people could hold their own in conversations adults usually dominated.
Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix carries that legacy forward for a new generation as a social media series. Where the original was New York-based, we root ourselves in Central Illinois, a community that deserves its own megaphone.
The DNA is the same: respect youth intelligence, give them professional tools, and let them lead the conversation. The Four-Act Structure blends dialogue, musicology, reflection and civic action. Broadcast production is by Illinois Public Media.
ResearchWhat Makes Us Different
Authentic The Dialogue Format
Our Flip the Script The Dialogue format empowers youth to argue from their authentic perspective, not perform positions they don't hold.
Youth-Centered
Every aspect is designed by and for young people. Your voice matters. Your perspective is valuable. You're not the leaders of tomorrow. You're leaders right now.
Academic Partnership
University of Illinois partnership provides access to innovation, college credit opportunities, and participant development fostered by the power of a Tier 1 research institution.
Compensation & Support
Summiteers are paid for their work. We provide transportation, meals, professional media training, and access to resources that support success.
Our Partners
Illinois Public Media
Broadcast reach, journalistic integrity, and a commitment to public media that serves communities. The pilot is in post-production; Illinois Public Media will announce broadcast details.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
College of Education partnership provides academic rigor, research support, institutional resources, and college credit opportunities for participants.
Dr. Sheila Johnson
Distinguished UIUC Alumna, pioneering businesswoman, and inspirational leader. Her vision and legacy laid the foundation for what we're building.
The Safe Haven Studio
Creative partner led by Director and Digital Producer Walt Bowman, bringing multimedia production expertise and commitment to authentic, community-centered storytelling.
Tour Our Studio
Illinois Public Media Station
Take a virtual tour of the Illinois Public Media facilities where Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix was filmed. Located at 300 N. Goodwin Avenue in Urbana, this state-of-the-art media center was our home for the Spring 2026 production.
Behind the Scenes
From rehearsal day to production, panelists, crew, and Summiteers bring the show to life.
Flip the Script: Production Day 1
Summiteers in action
Youth voices at the heart of every episode
Pilot Taping
Summiteers take center stage
Youth voices at the heart of every episode
Special Thanks
We are deeply grateful to the visionary leaders whose support and belief in youth empowerment made this program possible.
Chancellor Robert Jones
For his unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Chancellor Charles Lee Isbell Jr.
For championing youth development and educational excellence in our community.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Wanda Ward
For her dedication to diversity, access, and student success at the university level.
John Salvani
For his generous support and commitment to empowering the next generation of civic leaders.
Moss Bresnahan
For believing in our mission and helping make this platform a reality for Central Illinois youth.
Dean Mouza
For her forward-thinking vision on how professors can become renewed land grant scholars, connecting university expertise with community impact.
Dr. Deidre Weathersby
Teen Summit 2.0 Psychologist. Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director for Outreach and Prevention at the UIUC Counseling Center, bringing over 20 years of expertise in identity development, culturally responsive care, and youth mental health.
What We're Looking For
Being selected for Teen Summit 2.0: The Remix isn't about having perfect grades or a polished resume. It's about having something to say and the courage to say it. We're looking for Central Illinois high school students (ages 15-19) who:
- Care deeply about issues affecting their communities
- Want to develop their voice and leadership skills
- Are willing to engage in difficult, honest conversations
- Bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences
- Are ready to commit to the full program (Spring 2026)
Ready to Join the Movement?
Applications are now open for Summiteer spots. This is your chance to be part of something that's never existed in quite this way.
Start Your Application