YES! 2024 DETAILS
WHO?
All Delaware high school students are invited free of charge (must be accompanied by an adult teacher or advisor team leader). Capacity is limited.
WHAT?
At the 2024 YES! students will explore many of the most pressing state, national and global environmental issues and engage in steps they can take on campus, in college , in careers, as community activists, and beyond.
WHERE?
At the Clayton Hall Conference Center, 100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark DE 19716
WHEN?
Thursday February 29, 2024 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
HOW?
The YES! Summit is free for Delaware high school students and their adult team advisors, including breakfast, lunch, snacks and beverages. A limited amount of grant support is available for schools where funding can support transportation (bus arrangements are the team's responsibilities).
2023 SCHEDULE (2024 SCHEDULE TBD)
7:30 - 8:15
Registration
Visit Exhibitors & Raffle Scavenger Hunt
Breakfast
8:15 - 9:15
OPENING PLENARY
Nitya Patel, YES! 2023 Student Coordinator
U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester
Chief Dennis Coker of the Lenape Tribe
9:20 - 10:10
BREAKOUT SESSIONS I [see next tab for workshop details]
- School Food Waste I - A BioDigester Pilot Project
- Basics of Community Organizing - Becoming a Changemaker
- Wildlife and Hunting Conservation (Turkey Specific)
- Clean Water and Us: How We Take Our Most Precious Resource for Granted
- Developing a (Bio)Solution: Biology, Technology, and Sustainability
- The Problem with Single-Use Plastics & What is Delaware Doing About It
- The Wheels on the Electric School Bus Go Round & Round
- A Climate Conversation
- Options for Studying Sustainability in College
- Investigating Climate Solutions Using the EN-ROADS Climate Simulation Model
10:15 - 11:05
BREAKOUT SESSIONS II [see next tab for workshop details]
- Hydroponic Gardening in Schools
- The Expression of Climate Change Through Different Mediums
- Project Invent
- STEM and Sustainability: Paving the Path Towards a Greener Future
- The Climate Clock and it's Future Effects
- Pathways to Sustainability for Schools
- School Food Waste II - Don't Worry, Be Scrappy
- Career Paths for a Greener World
11:10 - 12:15
MID-DAY PLENARY
Nitya Patel, YES! 2023 Student Coordinator
Nessy Cherazard, Sussex Technical High School
Secretary Shawn Garvin, Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC)
Dr. David Donohue (Introduction: Abi Dorrell): The Power of Food to Heal the Planet
GROUP PHOTO IN LOBBY
12:15 - 1:05
"COOL FOODS" LUNCH provided by Aramark
Visit Exhibitors & Raffle Scavenger Hunt
1:10 - 2:00
BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS III [see next tab for workshop details]
- What's the Buzz with Bees and Beekeeping?
- Sustainability in Beauty: Businesses as a Force for Good - The Body Shop
- The Truth Behind Forest Fires: Are We the Problem?
- Sink or swim: What will Delaware do in response to sea level rise and climate change?"
- From Citizens to Scientists: The Impact We Obliviously Ignore
- Energize Delaware- Changing the Way People Use Energy In Delaware
- Advocacy A to Z
- Environmental Technology Careers
2:00 - 2:20
SCHOOL TEAMS ACTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT
2:20-2:30
Raffle drawing
Farewell for now. Go forth and make positive change happen!
PROGRAM DEETS:
KEYNOTE & WORKSHOP SPEAKER BIOS
COLLEGE FAIR
Come check out these colleges and unis with great sustainability plans and "green" majors!
EXHIBITORS:
Complete your Exhibitor Scavenger Hunt and qualify to win Raffle Prizes!
Plastic Free Delaware/Zero Waste First State
Delaware State Education Association (DSEA)
Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC)
Delaware Department of Education (DOE)
Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA)
Delaware Foundation for Science & Math Education (DFSME)
Delaware Concerned Residents for Environmental Justice (DCR4EJ)
Delaware Center for Geographic Education
New Castle County Department of Public Works
Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (Energize Delaware)
New Castle Conservation District
Delaware Center for Horticulture
Delaware Interfaith Power & Light
Delaware People for Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER)
Delaware Electric Vehicle Association (DEEVA)
4-H Health and Wellness Ambassadors
Delaware Center for the Inland Bays
Delaware Working Families Party
League of Women Voters New Castle County
Brandywine River Restoration Trust
Keep Delaware Beautiful
RAFFLE PRIZES (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!)
Complete your Exhibitor Scavenger Hunt and win Raffle Prizes Donated by:
Annual Park Pass donated by Delaware State Parks
Bench made from recycled plastic donated by Eco Plastic Products of Delaware
Trail Creek Outfitters - two tickets to the 2023 Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Goody bag by Plastic Free Delaware
Christiana Mall
Trader Joes @ Christiana
FORMS NEEDED/LINKS:
PERMISSION
Schools should use their own permission forms to release students to the Summit
BRING TO SUMMIT CHECK-IN ON MARCH 2nd
Delaware state code now states that "every student who is enrolled in a public school of this State in grades 6 through 12 shall be allowed 1 excused absence per school year to attend a civic engagement activity, which includes visiting Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. or Legislative Hall in Dover, visiting a site of significant historical or cultural importance, advocating for or testifying on behalf of legislation, or participating in a rally, march, or protest..." For a student to attend a civic engagement event, the student’s parent or guardian must provide written permission to the school principal or designee no later than 3 school days prior to the student’s planned absence. It is incumbent upon each school to determine what is acceptable as written permission, either a letter or email from the parent or guardian, or a form designed by the school or school district.
RELEASE
All participants must download, print, complete and submit the
SUMMIT LIABILITY & PHOTO RELEASE FORM BRING TO SUMMIT CHECK-IN ON MARCH 2nd
WORKSHOP SELECTIONS
In order to get the most out of this summit, school team members should coordinate with each other so that at least one member of each team is able to attend each breakout session option in the three session timeslots. Having all members of a school team attend the same breakout sessions is discouraged. Please complete THIS FORM before February 23rd to give the summit planners a sense of your preferences for workshop sessions.
PRE-SUMMIT GREEN SCHOOL SURVEY
Access the Green School survey HERE to begin thinking about the current "green" status of your school campus. The day of the Summit there will be opportunities to reflect on what has been learned and begin planning next steps for your campus to make your school even more green and sustainable. DO TOGETHER AS TEAM ON CAMPUS PRIOR TO MARCH 2nd
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT FORM FOR TEACHERS & OTHER PROFESSIONALS
