1,400+ joined us at the historic St. George Theatre for 20 years of youth empowerment.See the highlights
Canvas InstituteArts · Culture · Civic Engagement
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May 16, 2026 St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

20th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit

1,400+ students, educators, artists, leaders, and partners filled the historic St. George Theatre for the Summit's 20-year milestone.

For 20 years, Canvas Institute's Youth Empowerment Summit has created a room built for young people. The milestone 20th Annual Summit brought more than 1,400 attendees to the historic St. George Theatre for a day of workshops, resources, performances, and real conversations about the future.

The day featured appearances and remarks from artists and public leaders — including Wu-Tang Clan founding member Method Man, performer Cleotrapa, and elected officials from across Staten Island — alongside student volunteers, educators, and community partners.

Highlights

  • 1,400+ attendees at the historic St. George Theatre
  • Workshops on wellness, careers, financial literacy, AI, and civic engagement
  • Live performances and special presentations
  • Student volunteers recognized from the Summit stage

Appearances & remarks

  • Method Man

    Founding member, Wu-Tang Clan

  • Cleotrapa

    Rapper and performer

  • Nicole Malliotakis

    Congresswoman

  • Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

    State Senator

  • David Carr

    Council Member

  • Frank Morano

    Council Member

  • Natalie DeVito

    Commissioner, NYC Civic Engagement Commission

Accessibility & questions

For accessibility needs, media requests, or event questions, contact info@canvasinstitute.org or call 718-273-6160.

Contact Canvas

Event gallery

Photography courtesy of Ceylon Studios.

Scene from the 20th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit at the St. George Theatre.
Courtesy of Ceylon Studios
Method Man, a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, addresses the audience.
Method Man addresses the audience.Courtesy of Ceylon Studios
Bobby Digi thanks the student volunteers at the 20th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit.
Bobby Digi thanks the student volunteers.Courtesy of Ceylon Studios
Rapper and influencer Cleotrapa performs at the 20th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit.
Cleotrapa performs for the Summit audience.Courtesy of Ceylon Studios
Council Member Frank Morano, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Canvas Institute founder Bobby Digi pose with students.
Elected officials and Bobby Digi with students.Courtesy of Ceylon Studios
Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton addresses the crowd at the Summit.
Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton addresses the crowd.Courtesy of Ceylon Studios
Council Member David Carr addresses the crowd at the Summit.
Councilman David Carr addresses the crowd.Courtesy of Ceylon Studios
Scene from the 20th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit at the St. George Theatre.
Courtesy of Ceylon Studios

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