2026 NEOYCS

The 2026 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. The 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.

Location: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 W Lakeside Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44114

Summit Schedule

8:30 AM: Arrival, Check-In, & Registration

9:00-9:15 AM: Welcome Remarks

9:15-9:45 AM: Keynote Speaker - Leah Thomas

9:45-10:15 AM: Q&A with Leah Thomas

10:15-11:10 AM: Morning Breakout Sessions

11:15 AM–12:30 PM: Lunch; Volunteer/Opportunity Fair + Student Poster Session

12:35–1:25 PM: Afternoon Breakout Sessions

1:30–1:55 PM: Closing Remarks

2:00 PM: Departure

Check out the summit sticker designed by student artist, Asalé Jones!

Leah Thomas

Keynote Speaker

Leah's Website

Leah thomas

Climate Activist Bio

Leah Thomas is a celebrated environmentalist based in Los Angeles, CA. Coining the term "eco-communicator" to describe her style of environmental activism. Leah uses her passion for writing and creativity to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism. Her work includes consulting with brands like Apple and TAZO, projects with Meta, KEEN, TEVA, Indie Best Selling Book The Intersectional Environmentalist, and working on the communications team at Patagonia. Leah has been named to several notable lists—including Forbes 30 Under 30 2024, TIME100 NEXT, INSIDER’s Climate Action 30, Marie Claire’s Creators to Watch, EBONYPower 100, and InStyle’s The Badass 50—and is an established public speaker who has presented at Apple, Google, 1% for the Planet’s Global Summit, Meta, Dreamforce, Elon University, UCLA, and more. Her writing has appeared in a variety of publications, including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, The Washington Post, and Highsnobiety. She has also been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, W Magazine, and CNN as well as ABC News, NBC, The Weather Channel, and numerous podcasts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Students can participate in hands-on workshops, hear from our keynote speaker, share lunch with fellow attendees, and attend 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.

When and where should we arrive?

📌 Location: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Address: 300 W Lakeside Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44114

🕣 Check-In: 8:30–9:00 a.m.

🕘 Summit Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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 are the parking options?

🚙 The Convention Center recommends parking in the Huntington Park Garage or the Willard Park Garage. Both are a short walk from the Center and the Huntington Park Garage has a tunnel that connects to the building.

For more information, click here.

Where can I drop off a student?

🚖 Rideshare or Drop-Off

Use the St. Clair Ave. NE entrance for student drop-offs and pick-ups. Volunteers will greet students at the entrance.

The event is sold out, how Can i get a ticket?

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!

What should I bring?

✅ Refillable water bottle (this is a near-zero waste event!)
✅ Writing utensil
✅ Notebook or device (optional)
✅ Dress in comfortable layers
🚫 Please avoid bringing large backpacks if possible

Can parents or Guardians attend?

To maximize space for student participants, the event is youth-only. However, parents are welcome to register as volunteers!

👥 School chaperones are welcome and are asked to remain with their students.

Is the event accessible?

Yes! The venue is ADA-accessible with ramps, elevators, and restrooms.

Need specific accommodations (mobility, sensory, language)? Please email info@neoycs.org with questions and considerations.

What if I Can't attend after registering?

Please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. Email us at info@neoycs.org

How sustainable is the Event?

We’re proud to host a near-zero waste event!
Here’s how we’re walking our talk:

♻️ Composting all waste with Rust Belt Riders
🌱 Serving an eco-friendly lunch
🚫 Limiting single-use plastics and packaging and reusing or recycling signage
💧 Encouraging reusable bottles
🖥️ Offering digital materials instead of printed packets
🌞 Sourcing from solar-powered and low-carbon vendors
🧵 Using eco-conscious apparel from local makers

Sustainability isn't perfection—it's progress. Every small choice counts!

How can I stay involved after the summit?

You’ll receive a digital resource packet, which can be found on our website after the summit featuring:

📅 Volunteer events for Earth Day & beyond
🌱 Environmental leadership programs featured at the Opportunity Fair
📬 Newsletter sign-up and social media links

Let the Summit be the beginning—not the end—of your climate journey!

Will we receive lunch?

While Breakfast is NOT provided, lunch is included. Details to follow after you register on your Eventbrite about session choices and food preferences. You are encouraged to pack a snack.