By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University’s Zhane McCorvey recently joined 70 of the nation’s most dynamic youth changemakers for the prestigious inaugural Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit.
“Spending time with 70 of the country’s most inspiring youth and young adult service leaders was a great privilege,” said Greg Weatherford II, director of The Allstate Foundation and Social Impact. “These young people are changing the landscape of service as we know it, and it’s an honor to support and strengthen the impact they’re already having in their communities.”
The summit provided participants from throughout the United States with a unique platform for leadership development, innovative collaboration, and impactful networking among young service leaders.
“This opportunity gave me a broader range of the connections that I can make and where I can make more of an impact, not just in my community, but in the country,” said McCorvey, a social science education scholar. “It just goes to show that the work we’re doing is not being unnoticed.”
McCorvey was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nearly 500 applicants across the nation, representing exceptional young leaders in the United States, including nonprofit founders, policy advocates, civic leaders, and visionary leaders who are at the forefront of driving positive change in their communities.
In 2024, McCorvey was named an HBCU Scholar through The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity. The Maple Heights, Ohio, native is also the founder and president of Facing American Inequalities Responsibly (FAIR), a nonprofit he founded to provide micro-grants and professional development opportunities aimed at addressing social inequities. Through FAIR, McCorvey has spearheaded initiatives to support underserved students and communities, including launching scholarship programs and organizing workshops that promote career readiness and leadership development.
“Zhane McCorvey has shown exceptional leadership as a TRIO SSS Teacher Prep student leader within the program. His commitment to both academic success and serving others sets him apart. He leads with integrity, always inspiring those around him to aim higher and make a difference in their communities,” said Tara Johnson, executive director of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Programs at JSU. “This opportunity is well-deserved and a testament to his dedication and hard work.”
From September 27-29, participants engaged in workshops, panels, team building, and social excursions throughout Chicago. The young leaders also experienced a surprise visit from singer, songwriter, and actress Tori Kelly, who shared leadership advice followed by a beautiful vocal performance.
McCorvey says that he and his colleagues from the summit remain in contact and are seeking opportunities to collaborate further and reach more youth around the world to inspire meaningful service and change. He is highly active on campus. He plans to bring his experience and knowledge to peers in organizations such as TRIO, The Blue & White Flash, Men of Excellence, the Student Government Association, and more.
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About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives
Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high-research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with four satellite locations. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.
About The Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit:
The Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit is a cornerstone of The Allstate Foundation’s commitment to empowering youth to serve and improve communities. The Summit was hosted by the Center for Expanding Leadership and Opportunity (CELO), with funding provided by The Allstate Foundation as part of their partnership to (re)define youth service for a new generation and empower youth to serve and improve communities.
Through initiatives such as this, The Allstate Foundation continues to invest in youth leadership, ensuring that young people have the tools and resources they need to build a brighter future for their communities. Learn more about their shared work on youth-led, youth-driven service here.