YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR

The Annual Jewel McGowen Seeds of Gratitude Celebration

Celebrating 36 Years of Empowering Houston's Next Generation

2026 Theme: GRIT • GROWTH • GREATNESS

For 36 years, the World Youth Foundation (WYF) has remained steadfast in its mission to Empower Youth How To Win In Life Against All Odds. Through the annual Jewel McGowen Seeds of Gratitude Celebration, WYF proudly recognizes the promise, perseverance, and achievements of Houston's next generation of leaders. This year's theme, "Grit • Growth • Greatness,"celebrates the remarkable journey of young people who have transformed challenges into opportunities, dreams into purpose, and ideas into meaningful action—demonstrating that resilience, determination, and vision are the foundations of lasting success.

Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Wortham Theater Center
501 Texas Avenue
Houston, Texas 77002

This inspiring, family-centered celebration honors the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers. Guests will experience dynamic student presentations, interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and inspiring showcases featuring participants in the World Youth Foundation's innovative youth development initiatives, including the Youth Innovation Incubator, STEM Innovation Pathways, workforce readiness programs, leadership development experiences, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Guided by its mission to Empower Youth How To Win In Life Against All Odds, the World Youth Foundation cultivates the whole child—mind, body, and character—through transformational programming that integrates emerging technology, STEAM education, literacy, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, financial capability, career exploration, and leadership development. These experiences equip young people with practical, future-ready skills that extend well beyond the traditional classroom.

One of the afternoon's signature experiences is the Youth Market, where aspiring young entrepreneurs will showcase and sell original products, present their business concepts, share their marketing strategies, and pitch their ventures to attendees. Don't be surprised if Sunday's student entrepreneur becomes tomorrow's CEO.

The Jewel McGowen Seeds of Gratitude Celebration is made possible through the collective commitment of community leaders, corporate partners, philanthropic organizations, and volunteers who share a common vision of investing in Houston's future through its youth. The event is proudly supported by the City of Houston, Houston First, Levy GRB Houston, H-E-B, PPG Global, LLC, and the Community of Faith.

"Our purpose is simple yet profound—we work to remove barriers to success so every young person has the opportunity to discover their potential, pursue their purpose, and achieve their dreams. Every seed we plant today has the power to transform a family, strengthen a community, and shape the leaders of tomorrow."
— Karen Levingston-Franklin, Founder, Chairman & CEO, World Youth Foundation