College of Staten Island Liberty Partnerships Program and Lighthouse Beacon Program, Inc., is proud to announce Shop Talk: Boys to Young Men Leadership Summit, a premier event dedicated to empowering local boys through young men through leadership training, social emotional learning, grooming and personal branding and civic engagement. The summit will take place on February 17, 2026, from 10am-3pm, at the College of Staten Island’s Campus Center (1C), 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, New York 10314.

Designed for young people aged 9-18, the summit aims to bridge the gap between today’s youth and community decision-makers. The idea was brought to CSI by Liberty Partnerships Program parent Chanelle Patrick. “As a mother of a Black male youth, I have witnessed firsthand how they are often overlooked in areas such as hygiene, hair care, mental health, and emotional wellness,” she said. “This event aims to change that narrative by creating a safe, enriching, and empowering space where young men can receive the resources, mentorship, and attention they deserve.”

“This year’s theme, Shop Talk, focuses on providing boys with the tools needed for preparation of post-secondary goals and adulthood. Our goal is to move beyond conversation and into action,” said Dr. Shawn Denise Landry, ProgramDirector of the College of Staten Island Liberty Partnerships Program. “This summit isn’t just about listening to speakers; it’s about preparing young men for a seat at the table where real change happens.” This event is funded partially through: NYSED (New York State Education Department), NYC Council Member – District 49 Kamillah Hanks, and corporate donations from Target and Jersey Mikes.

The event will feature:

  • Opening Speaker: Robert Kee, Adjunct Professor, and CSI Assistant Director of Student Life, Leadership, Civic Engagement & Food Pantry Coordinator
  • Keynote Luncheon Address: AL Cole, Former IBF World Champ American former Professional Boxer.
  • Interactive Workshops: Sessions on Financial Literacy, Personal Branding, Leadership and Taekwondo.
  • Networking Hub: A space to connect with mentors from CSI Liberty Partnerships Program, Central Family Life Center, Distinguished Gentlemen, Learn Lead Serve, and Young Ballers.

Registration is now open to the public. Primary school through first year college students are encouraged to sign up early, as space is limited. Interested attendees can register through the Official Event Website:

Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shop-talk-boys-to-young-men-leadership-summit-tickets-1980108708450?aff=oddtdtcreator or at the College of Staten Island Liberty Partnerships Program office, located in Building 2A, Room 204.

For more information, please contact: Shawn Denise Landry, Program Director, shawn.landry@csi.cuny.edu, 718.982.2352.

ABOUT THE CSI LIBERTY PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

The CSI Liberty Partnerships Program is a holistic and comprehensive program which has served the needs of students since 1989, funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). For over 35 years, CSI Liberty Partnerships Program assists students from rising 5th graders through 12, providing transitional support and serving more than 587 students annually at six designated schools: Intermediate School 49, Intermediate School 61, Curtis High School, R. McKee CTE High School, Port Richmond High School, and Susan E. Wagner High School. In addition, CSI LPP is open to all students who live or go to school on Staten Island. We offer LPP students, social emotional learning workshops, and career and college readiness, Case Managers, Academic & Success Coaches, Mentors, virtual & in-school tutoring, and project-based learning activities. We also provide students with the opportunity to have career and college readiness experiences such as visits to: College Campus Tours, Broadway Shows, Student Conferences, and Free Summer College Camp.