Rosemont's Allstate Arena to host 15,000 for youth empowerment event

The Allstate Arena in Rosemont will host some 15,000 youth and educators Wednesday for the fourth annual WE Day Illinois, a youth empowerment event.

Speakers, presenters and performers at the invitation-only event will include former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, motivational speaker Chris Gardner, Grammy winner Daya, actor Jordan Fisher and artist/poet Cleo Wade. Brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger, social entrepreneurs who founded WE some 20 years ago, also will speak, encouraging youth to take action on pressing issues and make positive change in their communities.

Students and teachers from some 500 schools across the state are expected to attend. Students earn admission to the event through service projects and fundraising.