On May 6, Game Changers will hold its 10th annual Sports Leadership Summit at Youngstown State University.

What began as a regional effort to mentor young athletes has evolved into a full-scale leadership experience drawing hundreds of high school student-athletes from across Northeast Ohio.

This year’s theme is “intention.” The goal is to challenge attendees to be “strategic and purposeful about their life choices,” with a focus on classes, friendships or organizations they join.

“Everything about this event is designed to inspire intentional growth,” said Michael, founder and executive director of Game Changers. “We’re giving students the tools to think long-term about their future, not just their next game.”

This year’s summit will feature a list of notable speakers. The list consists of Nitra Rucker, vice president of human resources at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, who will highlight career pathways in sports operations and leadership; Matt Clapper, CFO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, delivering insights on budgeting, money management and the financial realities of life after high school; and Mike Adams, former NFL safety and CEO of AloMoves, leading a conversation on mental fitness and wellness — especially timely during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Through business support in the Mahoning Valley, this year’s summit is free for those who register.

Students will also participate in dynamic panel discussions with current college athletes and pro team executives, gaining advice on transitioning from high school to higher levels of play, as well as life. Interactive breakout sessions include financial fitness, NIL and branding strategies, and sports mediation and mindfulness.

There will also be a shared lunch and networking period that allows students to engage directly with guest speakers and mentors. In past years, these personal interactions have led to mentorships, internships, and even career-shaping introductions, according to Engram.

“It’s not just a summit–it’s a catalyst,” Engram said.

Registration is limited to 165 student-athletes and sports-minded students who must sign up through their coach or athletic director. Interested schools can visit WeAreGC.org and click on the leadership summit flyer to complete registration by Friday.

This year’s summit will also serve as a gateway to two upcoming Game Changers initiatives: the Game Changers Scholarship Program and the Pro Sports Experience, both designed to extend the impact of the summit into the summer months and beyond.