The SUMMIT: A Movement of Mentorship, Leadership, and Impact
In the fall of 2017, a vision took shape within the halls of the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. As I observed the students around me—bright, ambitious, and full of potential—I also saw a widening gap. Students of African descent were striving for excellence but often lacked the mentorship, opportunities, and support systems necessary to navigate their journeys with confidence.
From this realization, The SUMMIT was born—not just as another student organization, but as a transformative movement. It became a beacon of empowerment, a space where students wouldn’t just survive their academic experience, but thrive—equipped with the tools, networks, and mindset to rise above expectations and embrace their fullest potential.
More Than a Program—A Legacy of Excellence
The SUMMIT is more than a support system; it is a catalyst for change. It is a community of leaders, scholars, and professionals in the making, each dedicated to lifting as they climb. This initiative isn’t about simply being better—it’s about being distinct, impactful, and intentional in developing trailblazers who will challenge the status quo and redefine success on their own terms.
As Tom Abbott once said, “It’s not just about being better. It’s about being different. You need to give people a reason to choose your business.” In that same spirit, The SUMMIT differentiates itself by offering more than academic support. It delves into real-world challenges, helping students build technical expertise, refine leadership skills, navigate career decisions, and confront the ethical complexities of success.
A Mission Rooted in Purpose and Service
Our guiding principle echoes the words of John Wesley:
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
This is the very heartbeat of The SUMMIT—an unwavering commitment to excellence, service, and impact. It is a pledge to uplift, empower, and equip every student who walks through our doors, ensuring they leave as leaders ready to transform industries, communities, and the world at large.
The Call to Action: Be Part of the Movement
Now, as we stand at the intersection of opportunity and transformation, we extend an invitation to mentors, partners, and supporters who believe in the power of investing in the next generation. Your involvement—whether through mentorship, collaboration, or sponsorship—can be the driving force that fuels dreams, unlocks potential, and sparks a wave of change that reaches far beyond campus walls.
Together, we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow—leaders who are not just better, but different in the most extraordinary way possible.
Join us. The SUMMIT is calling.
Our Story
The SUMMIT was born out of a clear need to succeed and a deep commitment to be a brother’s keeper. During my Ph.D. journey, I realized my superpower was bringing people together and creating pathways for success. I saw students struggling, lacking the guidance and sense of belonging they needed to thrive. Then, after orientation, a few students showed up at my office, not just for advice but seeking mentorship and community. That moment sparked something greater.
From those early conversations, The SUMMIT was created — a movement that goes beyond the standard support systems, providing a unique space for personal growth, holistic success, and the power of shared purpose. It’s not just about academic help; it’s about lifting each other up, building leaders, and creating a legacy of excellence.
This is Our STORY — a journey of recognizing a need, harnessing our collective strength, and building a powerful support system. And it’s only the beginning.
Program Goals
The Summit program is based on fundamental values and goals, including:
- To provide mentoring to African and African American Students in the STEM-H field and promoting Monarch Citizenship values through encouraging Responsibility, Engagement and Pride among the students
- To promote academic success through exposing students to the diverse spectrum of resources available on campus and in their fields of study
- To create opportunities for students to engage in conversations with peers and the faculty, about academic success and professionalism, the field of endeavor, and insights gained from the mentorship experiences.
- To provide students a window through which to view academic and professional responsibilities in the real world
