Weld County Youth Environmental Leadership Summit

Empowering Future Environmental Leaders

Experience an interactive event organized by students for students
October 2, 2025 @ University of Northern Colorado
Space is limited to 300 students!
Register Now
Three female students on stage at the Youth Leadership Summit

Tomorrow's Leaders Are Needed Today

You can’t afford to wait to have a seat at the table. The decisions being made right now – about energy, transportation, agriculture, and policy – will determine what kind of planet you inherit.

You have the passion and urgency to drive change. Register for the Weld Youth Environmental Leadership Summit and gain strategic skills, networks, and confidence to influence the systems that matter most.

Register Now

Empowering You to Lead Sustainable Change

The Weld County Youth Environmental Leadership Summit is a dynamic, youth-driven event taking place in partnership with the University of Northern Colorado and Greeley-Evans School District 6.

This summit empowers young leaders ages 14–18 to explore environmental science, engage in sustainability solutions, and develop leadership skills to drive change in their communities. Through interactive sessions and networking opportunities, youth will connect with experts, policymakers, and peers to shape a more sustainable future for Weld County and beyond.

Environmental Leadership Is Your Superpower

This dynamic day is packed with interactive learning, hands-on engagement, and real-world inspiration. Here's what students can expect.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers
Hear from local and regional leaders who are working on the frontlines of environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, energy innovation, and community resilience. These thought leaders will share their personal stories, challenges, and hope for the future.
Round Table Discussions
Students will rotate through roundtable discussions led by professionals and community leaders representing a wide range of topics—from environmental science and clean energy to policy, public health, and climate advocacy. This format encourages meaningful conversation, questions, and connections.
A young lady sits in a crowd listening to a presentation at the Youth Climate Leadership Summit
Innovation & Action Fair
Students will engage with organizations, local businesses, and student groups at our Innovation & Action Fair, where they can learn about environmental-focused initiatives, explore volunteer and leadership opportunities, and discover creative solutions already happening in their communities.
UNC Campus Tours
Participants will have the chance to tour the University of Northern Colorado’s science and environmental departments, meet faculty and students, and get a firsthand look at labs, research projects, and degree pathways related to environmental science and sustainability.

Program & Agenda

8:30–9:20 am
Check In Begins

Check-in will occur at the front doors of the Campus Commons. Students check in, grab name tags, and begin exploring the Action & Innovation Fair.

8:30 am–1:00 Pm
Action & Innovation Fair

Happening all day! The Action & Innovation Fair is like a career fair—only way cooler. Meet changemakers, dive into hands-on activities, and explore real-world skills that can help you make a difference.

9:20–9:50 am
Welcome, Youth Keynote, and Q&A

The day begins with powerful youth voices, bringing energy, inspiration, and a call to action. Our keynote speaker will share an uplifting, solution-focused message on how local youths can take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future.

10:00 AM–12:00 Pm
Round Table Discussion

Students will rotate through roundtable discussions led by professionals and community leaders representing a wide range of topics—from environmental science and clean energy to policy, public health, and climate advocacy.

12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch (provided) & Youth Q&A Panel

Enjoy lunch while hearing from inspiring youth organizers and UNC alumni—and take the opportunity to ask your questions!

1:00–2:00 pm
Campus Tours & Demos

Hands-on learning experiences:

  • Xeriscaping gardens
  • Drone technology
  • Heating/cooling facility tour
  • Scanning electron microscope
  • Weather balloon launch
  • And more!
2:00 pm
Dismissal

To accommodate bussing, The Summit will dismiss at 2:00 PM.

Gain the Knowledge to Drive Action

In a world where environmental challenges loom large, the need for passionate, innovative, and dedicated individuals to lead the charge has never been greater. Our Environmental Leadership Summit is designed to empower individuals like you to help you understand, navigate and address current challenges.

The program features speakers that are some of the foremost leaders in science, environment and sustainability. Students have an opportunity to participate in Roundtable sessions, an innovation fair, campus tours and activities, and lunch will be provided.

This leadership summit is organized by students for students. We invite you to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in the vibrant realm of environmental education. Become one of 400 local students between 8th-12th grade across Northern Colorado to participate in this next-generation event.

A male high school student taking notes at the Youth Climate Leadership Summit

Register

Group Registration

This form is specifically for teachers, schools, and other groups who would like to register students for the event.
Group Registration
Follow the Summit on Instagram
students sitting in a row at the Youth Leadership Summit

Sponsor the Environmental Stewards of Tomorrow

The future our youth must face has too much at stake to handle alone. With your help The Sustainable Living Association equips the leaders of tomorrow to tackle environmental issues effectively and confidently. With over 25 years of experience, SLA is the guiding force for sustainable practices in Northern Colorado.

Your support will directly contribute to the education and empowerment of young advocates, fostering a generation equipped to tackle climate change. Join us and help elevate the voices of our youth. Contact us for details.

This Summit Is Made Possible By:

University of Northern Colorado
Greeley-Evans School District 6
Xcel Energy Foundation