Thank you for a successful inagural NEO Youth Climate Summit!
The Northeast Ohio Youth Climate Summit is a collaborative and educational conference that brings together young people from the region to address pressing environmental challenges. This summit provides a platform for students to engage in discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities focused on climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. Through the exchange of ideas and practical solutions, the summit provides the future leaders of our region with tools, education, and connections to become advocates for a more sustainable and resilient future in Northeast Ohio.
Check out the sticker made by student artist, Asalé Jones!
2024 Keynote Speaker
Xiye Bastida:
Climate Activist
Xiye Bastida is a 21-year-old climate justice activist based in New York City. She is an organizer with Fridays For Future and the co-founder of Re-Earth Initiative, an international youth-led organization that focuses on highlighting the intersectionality of the climate crisis. Bastida was born in Mexico and was raised as part of the Otomi-Toltec Indigenous community. For the first climate strike in March 2019, she mobilized 600 students from her school and has taken a citywide leadership role in organizing climate strikes. Bastida was the recipient of the 2018 UN Spirit Award and currently attends the University of Pennsylvania.
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!
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Proudly Presented by Laurel School
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City of Cleveland - Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
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News Coverage of the NEO Youth Climate Summit
WKYC Growing Students in STEM Coverage: Click Here
Climate Justice Activist Xiye Bastida’s Keynote Address
Watch Mayor Justin Bibb’s Address
Meet the student planning team
Ashley Eggleston
Asalé Jones
Faye Moledina
Madeline Friedman
Fara Latifi
Ivey Williams
Kaisa Strautnieks
Mack Gilbert
Elle Richey
Eva Ko
Laina Digeronimo
Advisors
Erika Hood
Philena Seldon
Elena Stachew
Angela Yeager
Who should attend?
Any 8-12th grade student from Northeast Ohio who is curious or passionate about environmental issues, climate, or sustainability. This summit is perfect for environmental classes and clubs!
What can I expect?
Students can participate in hands-on workshops, a keynote speaker, a plenary session on Climate Science and Action, lunch, and an opportunities fair, where they can learn how to stay connected and take action!
We anticipate very few lecture-based sessions and mostly interactive, engaging, high-energy sessions and activities.
Join us for a Sustainable Summit!
Bring your own water bottle: We're ditching disposables!
Compostable plates & utensils: Reduce waste and nourish the earth.
Digital materials: Save paper and stay connected.
Eco-friendly choices: Local vendors, lower-carbon options, and printed materials that respect the planet.
FAQs
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A refillable water bottle (as this is a Zero/low waste event we will only provide water)
A clothing item in need of mending (if you are able)
An old t-shirt to be transformed into a shopping bag
A writing utensil (notebooks provided by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District)
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To maximze the number of students who can attend, this event is for student only. The upper levels of the Think[box] are open to the public on Sunday from 12-7 pm.
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Students will be provided with a list of upcoming volunteer events for Earth Day and beyond. Current 9-10 graders might consider applying to Laurel School’s Environmental Justice Semester or checking out an upcoming open house! Students who are 18+ might consider applying to be a Global Shaper!
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We encourage you to join the waitlist at the registration link above. If a spot opens up you will be notified at least 2 days before the event!
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We aim to be a Sustainable and Zero/low waste event, which is hard to do perfectly. Our efforts include:
Encouraging guests to bring a refillable bottle
Restricting single-use items and packaging for meals and snacks
Composting all food waste, plates, cups, and utensils (provided by Rust Belt Riders)
Providing digital materials
Purchasing items from low-carbon vendors
Printed materials from vendors who recycle 100% and run on solar energy
Purchasing “eco-friendly” apparel from local suppliers
Providing lower-carbon vegetarian options
Questions? Email our Co-Chair Angela Yeager at AYeager@LaurelSchool.org
