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
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.
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.
📌 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.
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!
🚙 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.
🚖 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.
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!
✅ 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
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
Mack Gilbert
Casey Higgins
Asalé Jones
Jannah Kazmi
Maisie McKenna
Chloe Ng
Hannah Rosenfeld
Ana Rubio-Calvillo
Katie Spellacy
Yamini Sridhar
Cece Snyder
Kaisa Strautnieks
Esther Tan
Sofia Teresinski
Claire Witalec
Philena Seldon
Elena Stachew
Emily Bacha
Erika Hood
Rachel Herlein
Erica Prange
Angela Yeager
Howard Schott
Lauren Calig
Biosphere Level Sponsor
Tree Level Sponsor
Leaf Level Sponsor
Any questions or want to become a sponsor? Please contact info@neoycs.org