14 Mar StudentsBuild Summit 2026 Encourages Students to Own The Future!
On March 11th, thousands of students gathered at the 2026 StudentsBuild Summit for a day that they will carry with them for a lifetime. Representing more than 80 middle and high schools across Los Angeles County, students came together for an inspiring day of discussion and career exploration at the YouTube Theater led by industry leaders — including Summit keynote speaker Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
Before the show, students connected with mentors, industry leaders, and more than 70 STEAM and community partners during HelloFuture, a dynamic career and college resource fair. HelloFuture gives students exposure to pathways in biotechnology, robotics, wellness, the arts, workforce development, and civic leadership. For many, it was the first time they truly saw themselves reflected in these opportunities—and imagined what their future could hold.
Highlights from this year’s HelloFuture were a healthy snack station provided by Melissa’s Produce, battle bots with the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation, mock interviews and resume reviews with representatives from SoCal Gas and Disney, and project exhibitions from StudentsBuild teams.
After the fair, students flooded the theater for an electric show kicked off by Congresswoman Maxine Waters. The Congresswoman encouraged students to dream big for their futures, saying, “Take the steps today to become who you want to be tomorrow.”
The event welcomed several inspiring speakers, including StudentsBuild team members, Vice President at Easterseals SoCal Alyssa Kavner, and returning host Anabel Muñoz from ABC7. The audience enjoyed a poetry moment by StudentsBuild Alum Aiyana Sha’niel and Thurgood Marshall Secondary School student Harlem Castro.
The Summit featured two dynamic panels to inspire students to Own The Future. First was “Built Different: Confidence, Courage & Competing at the Highest Level” – an inspiring panel presented by Easterseals Southern California featuring three-time Paralympic athlete Emily Gray and UCLA Track & Field star Maya Rush, moderated by sports reporter Maria Serrao. The panelists shared their journeys to success in their fields and the setbacks they experienced, encouraging the audience to continue chasing their dreams even if they have to pivot along the way.
The second panel, “From Imagination to Innovation: Building the Career of Your Dreams,” featured leading creatives and executives from Disney as they shared how storytelling, technology, and innovation come together to shape careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). The panel was moderated by Summit Emcee Anabel Muñoz, Director of Post Production, Finishing at Marvel Studios Morning Star Schott, Vice President of Strategic Operations & Tech at the Walt Disney Company Sonia Doshi, and Disney Television Animation CG Supervisor Nickie Huai.
Returning to the Summit for the second year in a row was the StudentsBuild Student Pitch Competition, where two StudentsBuild teams presented their year-long projects to guest judge Kimberly Smith, CEO of Copia. Students from Alliance Piera Barbaglia Shaheen Health Services Academy presented on their project designed to increase health and belonging at their school by conducting wellness workshops and initiatives. Next, students from Public Service Community School presented their project on increasing wellness and confidence in their community by creating hygiene kits for students. Both teams were presented with awards for Impact and Authenticity and received additional grants for their projects.
The Summit concluded with an incredible performance by musician Adrian Lyles, made possible by Disney. The energy was through the roof as students gathered at the edge of the stage and even tossed Adrian his own StudentsBuild shirt! See the moment here.
The StudentsBuild Summit is made possible by incredible sponsors and partners—including the LA Rams, Disney, Google, Kaiser, and many others—who share LA Promise Fund’s commitment to helping young people discover meaningful career pathways and develop the leadership skills they need to build a better future.
Watch the energy and joy of the Summit in ABC7 Los Angeles’ coverage of the event and on LA Promise Fund’s Instagram, capturing powerful moments of inspiration for thousands of students.
This gathering also marks a special milestone: the 20th Anniversary of LA Promise Fund. Since LAPF’s incorporation in 2006, the organization and its partners have helped positively impact more than 1 million students, families, and educators across Los Angeles.
Join LA Promise Fund’s mission to keep building a brighter future for LA education. Give today to help LAPF reach the next million students.
