Event

Sustainable C.H.A.N.G.E.S. Youth Summit Showcase

This free, interactive showcase highlights youth-led projects in climate justice, sustainability, and community activism. It follows the 2024 Youth Summit held at The Huntington in November 2024.

Attendees can explore a science fair–style showcase, engage in hands-on workshops, and connect with activists at a drop-in mentor booth. Highlights include an armchair conversation with activist leaders Kevin Patel and Kristy Drutman, DIY protest art, upcycling activities, and a space to craft letters to elected officials advocating for environmental change.

Showcase Event Schedule

10–11:30 a.m. | Armchair Conversation with Activist Leaders

Join Kevin Patel and Kristy Drutman for a relaxed, insightful discussion on climate justice, youth activism, and strategies for creating meaningful change.

12:30–2:30 p.m. | Youth Project Showcase

Experience a science fair–style exhibit featuring student-led projects, interactive presentations, and performances. Engage with young changemakers as they share their work in climate justice, policy, and community-driven solutions.

12:30–3 p.m. | DIY Workshops

  • Organizing and Writing to Your Elected Officials: Work with a political environmental activist to craft emails, letters, and call prompts that advocate for real change.
  • DIY Protest Art: Design and create posters and signs for social and environmental justice movements.
  • Content Creation for Conservation: Learn how to use social media for advocacy and amplify your message.
  • Upcycling Station: Transform discarded materials into creative, sustainable pieces while learning about waste reduction.

12:30–3 p.m. | Mentor Booth & Networking

Meet and connect with activists, sustainability professionals, and local leaders in an open mentoring space, where youth and attendees can ask questions, seek guidance, and explore paths for deeper involvement.

For any questions or concerns, contact Jessie Jennewein, Youth Summit program specialist, at jjennewein@huntington.org.

Highlights from the Youth Summit

An auditorium with people in seats looking at a screen.

Photo by Harrison Truong. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

A group of people sit on a lawn.

Photo by Harrison Truong. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

A group of young people gathered around a painting.

Photo by Harrison Truong. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

A group of young people pose for a photo.

Photo by Harrison Truong. | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

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An auditorium with people in seats looking at a screen.
A group of people sit on a lawn.
A group of young people gathered around a painting.
A group of young people pose for a photo.

About the Sustainable C.H.A.N.G.E.S. Youth Summit

Climate. Health. Art. iNtersectionality. Growth. Education. Storytelling.

Inspired by the exhibition “Storm Cloud: Picturing the Origins of Our Climate Crisis”—part of PST ART: Art and Science Collide—this initiative was developed by The Huntington, local museum partners, and, most critically, young people engaged with climate and environmental issues. It aims to empower young leaders to champion sustainability and address pressing challenges head-on.

President’s Message: “Seeds Germinating”

A sign near open soil that reads "Seeds Germinating, PLEASE do not step on soil".

When I head to my office at The Huntington, I walk by a garden bed with a small sign that reads: “Seeds Germinating.” These two simple words beautifully encapsulate our mission to share our world-renowned collections to support scholarship, foster learning, inspire creativity, and offer transformative experiences for diverse audiences.

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