Welcome to the 2026 Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) Summit. This day-long youth leadership summit will be held during April Vacation Week on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided! Information regarding parking, where to find the summit, and more below.

Event Logistics

What: GELI Summit 2026
When: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Where: University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus Center
1 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA 01002

Time: 
9:30am: Doors open to the Public 
9:30am – 10:30am: Registration and Breakfast 
10:30am – 11:00am: Welcome Remarks & Scholarship Celebration
11:15am – 12:15pm: Session I  
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Session II 
1:30pm – 2:30pm: Lunch & Networking 
2:45pm – 4:00pm: Listening Sessions and Breakouts 
4:15pm – 5:00pm: Closing remarks & Call to Action 
5:00 – 5:30: Adjourn, load buses & student pick-up! 

Dress Code

This event will take place indoors in a campus center auditorium ground floor. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable!

On Site Parking: Campus Parking Garage 

If you’re driving and parking for the day, park in the Campus Center Parking Garage. The campus parking garage is open 24/7 and is located at 91 Campus Center Way, UMass, Amherst 01003. Use this campus map if needed to locate the parking garage. 

You will be given a parking pass upon arrival for registration. At check-in, find the area that says “validate your parking here.” You’ll be walked through a simple form for adding your license plate information that will validate your parking for the day. 

Pick up & Drop-off Information

On-Site Student drop-off & Pick-up: There is a horseshoe for student drop-off and pick-up (this is not designated as long-term parking) located at Bowker Auditorium (Stockbridge Hall): 100 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003.  

Where to go once on Campus: Check-in and registration is at the Campus Center Auditorium on the ground level – follow signage to find us (take escalator or elevator). 

In Case of Emergency

Refer to the back of your volunteer/participant’s name tag for event emergency contact information. All MCSW adult volunteers will be wearing yellow lanyards. MCSW Staff will be wearing purple lanyards. Find a designated coordinator if you need any assistance 

• In the case of an emergency, emergency contacts will be alerted. 

Sign up for Campus Alerts

• Sign up for campus alerts via the UMass Amherst Office of Emergency Management to be notified of any on-campus emergencies, including severe weather alerts, campus closures, and more.

• Scroll down the page until you see the red and black “Campus Visitors and Guests” QR code 
• Scan the QR code OR
• Text UMassAlertGuest (one word) to 78015
• Register with your phone number
• You’ll be notified of any on-campus emergencies, including severe weather alerts, campus closures, and more.
• You can unsubscribe anytime by texting STOP.
• You will be automatically removed after 3 days.

For more information on the MCSW Girl’s Empowerment Leadership Initiative, visit our website or email MCSWprograms@mass.gov.