Our Mission

The mission of the VIBES Conference is to bring together motivated African American high school students from across Washington State for a weekend of empowerment, mentorship, and vision.

Through cultural affirmation, community leadership, and higher education exploration, VIBES encourages students to see themselves as future leaders, scholars, and agents of change. We aim to inspire a lifelong commitment to learning, self-advocacy, and community uplift.

By connecting students with mentors, role models, and a university setting, VIBES fosters a sense of direction, purpose, and pride both in identity and in the pursuit of educational and personal goals.

Our Goals

• Empower students to lead with confidence, purpose, and pride in their cultural identity.
• Promote critical thinking, mentorship, and dialogue around issues impacting the Black community.
• Build authentic connections between high school students and the WSU campus, community, and culture.
• Spotlight Black leaders and changemakers in education, activism, and innovation.
• Inspire students to envision and pursue growth for themselves, their communities, and future generations.
• Offer WSU student leaders the opportunity to grow through service, mentoring, and event leadership.