A statewide annual learning and networking event for young parents!

The Michigan Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program (an MDHHS program) and MOASH are excited to announce that we will be hosting our annual statewide teen parent summit virtually this year. Join other teen moms and dads from all over Michigan on Instagram Live for a week of learning, connecting, and socializing!  YouTHRIVE is an event packed with fun where young parents from across Michigan can connect, inspire one another, and work towards their personal goals while building happy, healthy, and thriving families. 
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  • Days and times: September 13-17 - times vary (most are between 3-5pm)
  • Audience: Expectant and parenting teen dads and moms, ages 21 and under​
  • Link to join: Registration will open shortly, and the first 100 to register will receive a free t-shirt!  Folks can also tune in the week of the event via MOASH's Instagram livestream (@moashinfo).
​This FREE summit will feature learning opportunities, inspiring panels of former teen parents, and freebies, prizes, and giveaways! We are working on registration and will let you know when it opens up. 
Current agenda for September 13-17 livestreams:
  • Monday 9/13 4-5:30pm: BIPOC Breastfeeding for Teens Panel with the Michigan Breastfeeding Network
  • Tuesday 9/14 4-5pm: - Young Parent Panel where expectant and parenting youth can ask questions and get support from teen moms and dads
  • Wednesday 9/15 3-4pm: Keynote Speaker: Tyra Moore, founder of A Girl Like Me
  • Thursday 9/16 11-11:30am and 3-3:30pm: 30-minute #WellnessThursday sessions, including Cooking Tutorials with Joshua Miller, Saginaw Intermediate School District and tips for Mental Health & Self Care with Jennifer Cronkite, Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties
  • Friday 9/17 6pm: Virtual open mic night!
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Some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about YouTHRIVE's in-person event:

what is this event?
The YouTHRIVE Teen Parent Summit is a networking and educational event for young parents.  It's designed as an opportunity for pregnant and parenting youth to meet up with each other, have some fun, learn some stuff, and think about their goals and dreams for themselves and their family.  The day is a mix of going to different breakout presentations, hearing from a panel of former teen parents, taking a college tour to see how they cater to parenting youth, and just having a good time hanging out with people who share similar experiences of parenting.  Our message at the summit is that young parents are amazing, and with the right support, anything is possible!  
​how do i register?
In March/April, we'll be posting a link to an online registration form that you can fill out.  The online form only takes a minute!  
is this event free?
Yes!  The event is entirely free.  
is there parking?
Yes!  You can park in the Gannon ramp (at the end of the building - 411 North Grand Ave - on the left) on Level 1.  Parking is free.
can you help with transportation?
​We are working on figuring out how we might be able to support young parents with transportation to and from the event.  It is likely that we will be able to coordinate group transportation leaving from different locations across the state; we will keep registrants updated as we get more details.  There will be a section in the registration form where you can indicate whether you need transportation. We are also looking into whether we’ll be able to provide gas cards for young parents who drive themselves.
​who can attend?
This event is intended for expectant and parenting teens (moms and dads!), aged 21 and under. While this is geared toward teens, we may accept some parents who are over 21 years old on a case-by-case basis.  Contact brittany.batell@moash.org for more info.
will there be food?
Yes!  We will be providing lunch and some morning and afternoon snack items throughout the day.
can i bring my child?
We will not be providing childcare at the event, and we encourage our young parents to attend without their children so they can fully participate in the day’s events.  We love your kiddos, but this day is about YOU!  This is an important opportunity for young parents to practice taking care of themselves, including stepping up and problem-solving!  We know they can do it, and we encourage supportive adults in their lives to do some strengths-based coaching to guide them through the process of finding childcare arrangements.  Feel free to contact us for more information on why we decided to hold this as a parents-only event, as well as tips for how to help young parents!  That said, we will not prohibit someone from attending the event with their child if they truly are unable to find another childcare option.  We simply believe there are many alternatives to explore first, and we encourage young parents to fully embrace the day for themselves.
Can i bring a support person?
Yes, you are welcome to have a supportive adult (like your parent, guardian, family member, or agency staff - must be over 21) accompany you to help you watch your child if need be.
what do i need to bring with me?
Just yourself!  We will provide food and materials, and all registration info and waivers will be sent and submitted online beforehand.
what do i need to know about consent waivers and parent permission?
All registrants will receive an online consent waiver (to give permission to attend the event, to have photos/videos taken of you at the event, etc.) to complete once you register.  You MUST complete the waiver online in order to attend; if you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign it. 
this is on a friday - how can i get my absence excused from school?
The decision to have your absence excused ultimately lies with your school; we are providing excusal letters to those who request one, explaining how this is an important educational event and encouraging your school to give you an excused absence to attend. E-mail brittany.batell@moash.org to request a signed excusal letter.
i have more questions - who do i contact?
For any follow-up information or questions, you may e-mail: brittany.batell@moash.org.