2025 NEOYCS

The 2025 NEO Youth Climate Summit has concluded!

What’s Next?

Apply for a $500 Mini-Grant by May 14 to fund a project at your school! Funded by The Climate Reality Project and administered by the Global Shapers Cleveland Hub and the NEO Youth Climate Summit, these mini-grants aim to help you bring your climate solutions to life.
Write for the Youth Environmental Press Team and GET PAID $100 per article!
Join the Youth Climate Institute in Northeast Ohio!
The Youth Climate Institute is a national program supporting teachers, club leaders, and student changemakers in learning about climate change and taking action locally. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes serves as our regional hub, connecting school groups with local experts, project ideas, and a network of inspiring youth leaders across Cleveland. Attend an upcoming Zoom to learn more info or Contact Erica at prange@shakerlakes.org to get started!
Click here for a list of organizations at the Opportunities Fair.

Click here to read YEPT!

The 2025 NEO Youth Climate Summit

Thank you to the 300 students from 30 schools, 20+ partner organizations & 20+ sponsors who made the 2025 NEO Youth Climate Summit a Success!

Location: Cleveland Public Library Main Branch Lewis Stokes Wing 525 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

Click to download a printable flyer for your classroom!

Check out the 2025 sticker made by student artist, Asalé Jones!

2025 Program Guide Found Here

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.

2025 Keynote Speaker:

Sage Lenier

Climate Activist

Sage Lenier is a climate activist, public speaker, and nonprofit leader. She got her start teaching her own program at UC Berkeley, which broke records for largest-ever student-led class. She is the Founder & Executive Director of Sustainable and Just Future and was recently honored by TIME Magazine as a 2023 Next Generation Leader.

Time Award Video

www.sagelenier.com

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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When and where should we arrive?

📌 Location:
Lewis Stokes Wing, Cleveland Public Library
Address: 525 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114

🕣 Check-In: 8:30–9:00 a.m.

🕘 Summit Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

What are the parking options?

Paid parking is available:

320 Superior Ave Garage (across the street): $25/day
🔹 Need help covering this fee?

Nearby additional garages:

Huntington Garage (on Superior Ave)

777 Rockwell & ABM Rockwell Garage (between E. 6th and E. 9th)
Detailed information about parking can be found HERE.

PUBLIC TRANSIT is the most cost-effective method since most nearby parking in downtown Cleveland entails charges that average about $15 per day. Many RTA bus routes travel to downtown Cleveland and have stops within two blocks of the Library. Red, Blue, and Green Line rapid transit all stop at Tower City, a short two-block walk away. Visit https://riderta.com to plan your trip, check schedules, etc.

DRIVING AND PARKING: The single blue star on the south side of Superior Avenue (Huntington Building garage) and the two blue stars a 1⁄2 block away on Rockwell Ave. between East 9th and East 6th street (777 Rockwell and ABM Rockwell Garage) are the nearest parking garages.

Where can I drop off a student?

🚖 Rideshare or Drop-Off

Use the Superior Avenue entrance for student drop-offs and pick-ups. Volunteers will greet students at the entrance. Navigate to 525 Superior.

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

Breakfast is NOT provided. A vegetarian lunch and snacks are included.
All meals are served with compostable ware. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please indicate them when registering or contact us in advance.

Can parents or Guardians attend?

To maximize space for student participants, the event is youth-only.
However, the rest of the Library remains open to the public throughout the day.

👥 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)?

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.

Sustainabilty at the summit

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 only vegetarian meals
🚫 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 like Laurel’s Environmental Justice Semester
📣 Info about Global Shapers (ages 18+)
📬 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, a vegetarian lunch and snacks are included. Lunch will be a build your own pasta bar.

All meals are served with compostable ware. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please indicate them when registering or contact us in advance.