sadd national
summit

quick info

Fueled by passion and purpose, this year’s “Driven to Lead” theme empowers young leaders to take the wheel and drive change in their schools and communities.

july 18 - 20

3PM Start - 2PM End

ATLANTA, gA

Georgia State University

registration

Open 4/16/25 - 7/1/25

APPLY TO ATTEND

summit
details

About the summit

Join us for the SADD National Leadership Summit, a transformative multi-day experience that brings together student leaders, adult allies, and traffic safety advocates from across the country. This high-energy event empowers youth to lead positive change in their communities through dynamic workshops, inspiring trainers, and interactive sessions. Attendees will gain valuable leadership skills, explore critical topics such as safe driving, mental health, and substance misuse prevention, and connect with peers and professionals who share a passion for making a difference.

The Summit is where the next generation of changemakers takes the stage—don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Apply to Attend:

Registration/application fees will be as follows (your registration includes all lodging and delicious, all-you-can-eat meals throughout the weekend, conveniently adjacent to the lodging facilities):

Early Leader: Register by 5/15 $ 325.00*

Leader in the Making: Register by 6/1 $ 375.00

Fastrack to Leadership: Register by 7/1 $ 425.00

*Please be aware there are processing fees associated with purchase which will add an additional amount to this ticket price.

Note: This event is limited to the number of tickets that will be sold. Applying for a ticket does not necessarily mean you have been approved for registration. A waiting list will be started if the allotted registrations are filled.

Note: connect with your SADD State coordinator before registering to see if there are grant-funded spots available for attending, which could make your registration FREE or very low cost.

Apply to attend

who should apply?

We’re looking for passionate, motivated students who are ready to lead, learn, and make a difference! If you’re excited to grow your skills, connect with others, and take action in your school or community, this event is for you.

Ideal attendees include:

⭐ Rising high school seniors or younger students with a heart for leadership

⭐ SADD Chapter leaders, officers, or active members ready to take their involvement to the next level

⭐ New SADD members eager to learn the ropes and grow their confidence

⭐ Students looking to build leadership skills, boost their resume, or gain service experience

⭐ Youth advocates passionate about traffic safety, mental health, and positive decision-making

No matter your experience level, if you’re driven to lead, we want you there!

what young leaders will gain:

Attending the Summit is more than just a weekend away—it’s an unforgettable experience packed with growth, connection, and inspiration. Students will walk away with:

🚗 Stronger leadership skills to lead confidently in their schools and communities

🧠 Increased knowledge on key issues like safe driving, mental health, and substance prevention

🛠️ Hands-on training and tools to launch impactful campaigns and initiatives

💬 Improved communication and teamwork abilities through interactive workshops

🌐 Connections with peers and mentors from across the country

💡 Fresh ideas and renewed motivation to make a difference back home

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location:

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend on the vibrant Georgia State University campus in beautiful downtown Atlanta, GA! Just steps away from iconic attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, the campus is the perfect hub for leadership, learning, and fun—with easy access to all major transportation.

It’s going to be a weekend of growth, connection, and leadership—right in the heart of Atlanta!

lodging & Meals:

Registering for the Summit includes all lodging and delicious, all-you-can-eat meals throughout the weekend: Friday dinner, Saturday brunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch before departure, plus snacks and goodies along the way.

411 on rooming:

Students will stay in vacated campus dormitories—two per room, four per suite—with private en suite bathrooms. Single rooms will NOT be an option without documented medical necessity and may incur a separate charge.
All bedding/linens will be provided for the duration of the stay (extra-long twin sheets, pillow and pillowcase, blanket, towels and washcloths).
Room assignments will be thoughtfully arranged with input from chaperones and caring adults.
For safety, staff and chaperones will be housed in direct proximity, and all rooms are accessed by unique key cards for each student’s designated space.
Lights-out hours will be strictly enforced. SADD staff, chaperones, and GA State security will be on site 24/7 to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Gender-neutral rooms/suites will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
All other accommodations must be discussed with chaperones and/or SADD staff prior to 7/1/25.
For more information on the campus accommodations, visit GA State University.

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AGENDA:

FULL AGENDA COMING SOON!

View the preliminary schedule on the Registration page.

tracks:

The Summit agenda will have many roads, or tracks, to follow depending on your areas of interest. More details coming soon on the workshops and training sessions to be held for each track.

All students participating under grant funds from a State highway safety office will be required to attend the Mobility Safety track training sessions.

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SPONSOR A LEADER:

You can make a lasting impact by sponsoring a student leader to attend the SADD National Leadership Summit! Your support helps remove financial barriers for passionate young changemakers eager to grow their leadership skills and make a difference. Choose from several sponsorship levels—cover just the registration fee, registration plus travel costs, or go above and beyond by providing support to attend the summit + implement activities back at home. Every contribution helps empower the next generation of leaders to take the wheel and drive change in their communities.

Registration Sponsorship Only - $375

Registration + Travel Sponsorship - $650

Registration + Travel + Hometown Activity Sponsorship - $1,000

DONATE TODAY!

SPONSORSHIP PACKET:

Looking for a way to make a larger impact? Consider becoming a Summit Sponsor!

Check out the sponsor packet here, or connect with Scott at smyers@sadd.org for more.

Apply to attend

Pre-Summit Info Session:

SADD will host a pre-summit info session for caring adults, chaperones and any students that wish to join and learn more about the logistics of the 2025 SADD Summit. This will be an informal information session and give folks the opportunity to ask any necessary questions or connect with a staff member who can better assist with questions offline.

Info coming soon!

permission form:

Permission forms must be completed for each attendee prior to arrival on 7/18. We require emergency contact information, allergy or dietary warnings, health concerns, and consent to our code of conduct, photo, and other policies.

All attendees will be provided with the link for this permission form prior to arrival to discuss with caring adults at home and any chaperoning adults day off.

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EntertainmEnt:

Downtown Atlanta offers a variety of exciting and teen-friendly activities, catering to diverse interests and budgets. Here are some top picks:

Georgia Aquarium

Explore one of the world's largest aquariums, home to thousands of marine animals. Tickets are approximately $47 for youth.

World of Coca-Cola
Dive into the history of the iconic beverage brand with interactive exhibits and tastings. Admission is around $25 for teens.

Skyline Park at Ponce City Market

Enjoy vintage amusement park games, mini-golf, and stunning city views. Entry fees vary, with individual attractions priced separately.

Historic Fourth Ward Park
Relax in this urban oasis featuring walking trails, a skate park, and scenic views—all free of charge.

Fernbank Science Center
Discover space exhibits, live animal displays, and more. Exhibit entry is free; planetarium shows are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Atlanta CityPASS

Planning to spend some extra time in ATL? Check out CityPASS for cheaper entry to more local favorites.

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ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE:

More information on travel recommendations coming soon!

Plan to arrive at GSU between 3 and 6PM ET on 7/18.

Plan to depart after 2PM on 7/20.

Parking:

Parking will be available for all those commuting by car. In the main lots near the Piedmont Commons dorms it is $5 per day to park. If you will be parking with us for the duration of the Summit, connect with your SADD State Representative about complimentary parking.

Public Transportation:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the closest and easiest option for all flights.

Getting from the airport to GSU could not be easier:

- Try the local MARTA line - Gold or Blue lines will get you to the Five Points Station and the walk is just 5 minutes.

- Rideshares are plentiful in the area, request drop off at the Piedmont Commons dorms.

Apply to attend