Youth Empowerment Summit will connect Twin Cities youth with mentorship, resources and employment opportunities
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, UNITED STATES, September 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Better Black Business Initiative (B3I), a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, today announced the launch of From Lock-Up to Lift-Up, a new youth empowerment program designed to help justice-impacted young people build pathways toward employment, personal development and long-term opportunity.
The program will bring together education, mentorship, employer engagement and access to community resources to help young people move beyond the barriers often associated with involvement in the justice system. Through structured programming and direct connections with employers and community partners, From Lock-Up to Lift-Up is designed to equip participants with resources, relationships and opportunities that support their next chapter.
Supporting B3I’s expansion and launch of the From Lock-Up to Lift-Up program is Cummins Inc., a global power leader.
As part of the program launch, B3I will host the inaugural Lock-Up to Lift-Up Youth Empowerment Summit on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Junior Achievement North in St. Paul for ages 16-24.
The Summit will create an environment centered on the potential and future of justice-impacted youth rather than their past. Participants will have access to workshops, mentorship, speakers, resources and opportunities to engage directly with employers and community organizations.
A central component of the Summit will be connecting young people with employers who can help translate opportunity into action. These interactions are intended to build relationships that extend beyond the event and help participants develop networks, skills and potential pathways to employment.
“Every person who walks through this program is capable of more than the label the system gave them. From Lock-Up to Lift-Up is about helping young people see that potential in themselves and connecting them with the people, resources and opportunities that can help them build what comes next,” said LeBrent Speed, Executive Director of The Better Black Business Initiative.
“Strong communities are built by investing in people and creating pathways to opportunity. Through From Lock Up to Lift Up, young people will gain connections, mentorship, and resources to build a brighter future. We’re proud to invest in B3I to expand opportunity in the communities where our employees live and work“,” said Tonya Sisco, Executive Director, Corporate Responsibility at, Cummins.
General registration for the Youth Empowerment Summit is $20, with group discounts and scholarships available.
About The Better Black Business Initiative
The Better Black Business Initiative (B3I) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, focused on economic empowerment in the Black community through programs including the I’m a BOSS Youth Business Camp, Lock-Up to Lift-Up, and mentorship and coaching initiatives. Learn more at theb3initiative.org.
Media Contact Darren Thompson Director of Business Development darren@theb3initiative.org
LeBrent Speed
The Better Black Business Initiative
+1 6126691150
email us here
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Facebook
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Media gallery
