State Reps. Mary Valentine and Lee Gonzales enjoy coffee and pastries at the legislative breakfast preceeding the conference.

 State Reps. Steven Lindberg, Gary McDowell and Rick Shaffer discuss Michigan's Children's legislative priorities over breakfast.

Michigan's Children President & CEO Jack Kresnak and Barry Chekoway, Ph.D., University of Michigan, lead a group discussion on policy implications of youth perspectives on race.

 Jon, a participant of the Detroit Summer Projects, shares his thoughts on the proposed legislation to increase the high school dropout age to 18.

Sarah and Dakarai from the Youth Leadership Team discuss their experiences with racial disparities in the education system and resulting policy implications.

Senior Associate at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Susan Batten, who presented the Race Matters Tool Kit, and Jack Kresnak take a break to smile for the camera.

Youths and community members discuss the Race Matters Tool Kit and apply the newly learned tools to analyze proposed legislation to increase the high school dropout age.

 State Sen. Martha Scott (right) chaired the mock legislative committee made up of youths from throughout Michigan who debated proposed legislation raising Michigan's dropout age to 18. 

State Reps. Rick Shaffer and Bert Johnson discuss the proposed legislation with the youths before the mock hearing.