Youth and young adults from across South King County will have an opportunity to build career skills, connect with employers and explore future opportunities during Level Up 2026, a free, daylong conference scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, at the Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac.

According to event organizers, the conference will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Matt Griffin YMCA (map below), and is designed for young people ages 14 to 24. Participants can register through Eventbrite.

Level Up 2026 is designed to equip youth and young adults with real world skills, leadership development and hands on learning opportunities through interactive workshops and an employment and resource fair featuring public and private organizations, including employers, educators and service providers.

Organizers said more than 125 participants attended last year’s event with support from sponsors including Deloitte, foundry10 and Boston Consulting Group. This year’s conference will expand its workshop offerings while growing the employment and resource fair to include more trade focused employers, apprenticeship programs and speakers representing the multicultural diversity of the community.

The day’s schedule includes check in and swag bags beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by the event kickoff at 10 a.m. Two rounds of life skills workshops will be held before a free lunch served by food trucks. The afternoon will feature an employment and resource fair, a mindfulness workshop and raffle prizes before the event concludes at 3 p.m.

Workshop topics include financial literacy and banking presented by Seattle Credit Union, Housing 101 and independent living, resume writing, cooking, mindfulness, and health and wellness.

Organizers said more than 60 employers, colleges and community organizations are expected to participate in the employment and resource fair. Employers attending are seeking workers between the ages of 14 and 24, and attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes.

“Last year, we welcomed more than 125 participants and received generous support from sponsors such as Deloitte, foundry10, and Boston Consulting Group,” organizers said. “This year, we’re expanding our workshops and growing the resource fair to include more trade-focused employers, apprenticeship programs, and speakers who reflect the rich multicultural diversity of our community.”

Registration is available through Eventbrite here.