The Athlete Activism Summit

The Athlete Ally Activism Summit is an annual gathering for college students, athletes, coaches, and administrators from across the country to learn and discuss ways to create a more welcoming environment in sports.

This year, we are headed to the Poconos! Over four days, participants take part in workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions led by Athlete Ally staff and guest speakers. These sessions focus on education, leadership development, team building, and communication skills to equip emerging athlete leaders with the necessary tools to make positive changes on their team and campus. The Summit draws approximately 200 attendees from over 65 colleges nationwide and it is the single largest convening of its kind. The Summit is a space where we build community and where all athletes are welcome, seen, and valued for who they are. You are the creative power that will make sports inclusive for all people and we need your wisdom and courage now more than ever.
Image is a graphic with 2 rows of 5 colorful boxes and the Athlete Activism graphic underneath. The symbols in the top row are a circle, a fist, a triangle, a heart, and a circle with pointed edges similar to a sun graphic. The second row is a tulip, a circle with pointed edges, rainbow, star, and another tulip.

Registration Options

We are offering two payment options. We accept all major credit cards plus Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Cash App, Affirm, etc. are also available. *The price listed does not include tax. This is non refundable.

Schedule Overview

Location: The Poconos, PA

  • Thursday, June 4

    Attendees arrive to the Summit via airport shuttles or personal vehicles. Settle in and welcome activities.

  • Friday, June 5

    Attendees will have a day of educational engagement, leadership building skills, and team work activities. Guest speakers include professional athletes, sports business professionals, and other student athletes. Free time in the afternoon and evening activities.

  • Saturday, June 6

    Attendees will have a day of educational engagement, leadership building skills, and team work activities. Guest speakers include professional athletes, sports business professionals, and other student athletes. Free time in the afternoon and evening activities.

  • Sunday, June 7

    Last day of the summit. Attendees will prepare for departure.

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Help an athlete to attend the Athlete Activism Summit who is in need of financial support.

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Education and Logistics

This will have ongoing educational material added leading up to the summit. All logistical information will be posted here.

  1. Intake Form

  2. About the Athlete Activism Summit

  3. Pre Summit Educational Material

Guide

FAQ

  • What is the Athlete Activism Summit?

    The Athlete Activism Summit, hosted by Athlete Ally, is an annual gathering for college students, athletes, coaches, and administrators from across the country to learn and discuss ways to create a more welcoming environment in sports. Over four days, participants take part in workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions led by Athlete Ally staff and guest speakers. These sessions focus on education, leadership development, team building, and communication skills to equip emerging athlete leaders with the necessary tools to make positive changes on their team and campus.

  • Who is allowed to attend the event? Is there a minimum or maximum amount of tickets allowed per school?

    We welcome any college student, athlete, coach, or administrator who is committed to making their community more welcoming and inclusive to attend. The discussion topics will cater to how participants can build connection and belonging on their team and among their peers and how they can remain authentic and safe while doing so. If you are a staff member, we kindly request that you register yourself and at least two students to attend as our Summit is primarily for current athletes. Allies are welcome to this event and we encourage you to take our free online training, Champions of Inclusion, prior to the Summit. There is no minimum or maximum amount of tickets that need to be secured by an individual school to attend the Summit. Group tickets can be purchased at check out.

  • What are the key takeaways from attending the summit?

    Leadership Skills – Gain tools to lead with confidence both on and off the field. Advocacy in Action – Learn how to use your platform as an athlete to promote fairness, respect, and positive change in sports. Team and Community Building – Discover strategies to strengthen team culture and build supportive environments within athletic programs. Storytelling and Communication – Practice sharing personal experiences and values in ways that inspire and motivate others. Personal Growth – Reflect on personal values, motivation, and purpose as an athlete and leader. Networking – Connect with athletes, coaches, and administrators from across the country who are committed to improving the culture of sports. Action Planning – Leave with a concrete plan for how to bring what you’ve learned back to your campus or team.

  • Is the Athlete Activism Summit ADA Accessible?

    We want everyone to be able to participate fully in the Summit. We’re committed to providing an accessible experience. The venue has sleeping accommodations and activities that are wheelchair accessible. However, if there are any other access needs or accommodations that would support your full participation (e.g., mobility access, ASL/interpretation, captioning, dietary needs, sensory considerations, seating, fragrance sensitivity, lactation space, religious spaces, etc.), please email us directly at [email protected]. You do not need to share personal details. Our team will review requests confidentially and be in touch directly.

  • What day and time should I arrive and plan to depart? What is the best way to get to the Summit location?

    Arrive: Thursday, June 4th Depart: Sunday, June 7th Driving: Carpooling is highly recommended if you live within 4 hours of the Summit. Plan on arriving no earlier than 12:00 PM on Thursday, June 4th and departing no later than 12:00 PM ET on Sunday, June 7th. Flying or Taking the Train/Bus: Shuttles to the Summit will take approximately 2 hours Arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) no later than 5:00 PM ET. Shuttles will take attendees from the airport to the Summit site. Shuttle times will be announced soon. Depart: The EARLIEST you can book a flight or train ticket out of EWR is 12:00 PM ET. If flights are booked before 12:00 PM ET we cannot guarantee you will make your flight. Shuttles will start departing from the Summit to EWR at 10:00 AM ET. *Please note that we will not be able to directly coordinate transfers from any other locations. Car Rental from EWR estimated cost: $550 from the morning of June 4 to the evening of June 7 (must be at least 25 years old) Uber estimated cost per way: $150+

  • Is there a registration deadline?

    Yes, registration closes on Friday, May 1st.

  • How much does it cost to attend the summit?

    The ticket includes all meals, lodging, shuttle transportation to/from EWR airport, the Welcome Reception, activities, interactive breakout sessions, and evening events. The ticket does not include the cost of travel.

  • Will there be financial aid assistance?

    Yes, Athlete Ally has limited registration support available to reduce barriers to attendance (we cannot provide assistance for travel to and from the Summit). If you are seeking financial support, please email us directly at [email protected]. You do not need to share personal details beyond what you’re comfortable sharing. Our team will review requests confidentially and be in touch within five business days after the close of registration.

  • Who can I contact for more information?

    If you have any more questions, please email us at [email protected].

Social proof: testimonials

“Attending the Athlete Ally Summit was one of the best things I did last year! Having the chance to talk with colleagues and athletes from across the country about the ways that we can create more inclusive, supportive, and affirming sports cultures left me excited and inspired. The college athletes were awesome, the Athlete Ally staff is incredible, the speakers were informative and inspiring, and the community helped me feel part of a bigger movement to fully include and support all college athletes to be their whole, incredible selves.”

Diane L. Williams, Ph.D., McDaniel College

“My favorite part about the Athlete Ally summit is being able to stretch my knowledge and grow in inclusivity and understanding of my own community. It is so eye opening to hear stories about different schools or communities and what they experience on a daily basis through sport or just in life.”

Cece Villa, College Athlete at the University of Nebraska

“The Athlete Activism Summit was such an eye-opening and community-building experience for me, and I know many others. The connections I built there I still hold near and dear to me to this day. The information I gained from both the panels and the conversations I had with other athletes, administrators, directors, coaches, etc. illustrated to me the importance of passion, authenticity in the face of repression, and commitment to a cause in ways I have never experienced before, and don't think I ever really will. ”

Riley Steggall, College Athlete at Oberlin College