Residents Forward Youth Climate Summit 2025

The future of our environment starts now, and you can be part of the change! Residents Forward’s Youth Climate Summit 2025 “Learn, Discuss Act” on Saturday March 29, 2025 at the Port Washington Public Library isn’t just a day of learning—it’s a launchpad for real action.

Students (Grades 8-12): Register here, gain leadership experience, and create post summit Climate Action Projects that make a difference.

This free, one-day event has been made possible by the generous support of our presenting sponsors The Community Chest of Port Washington & Tweezerman International LLC Environmental Heroes Grant Program, KISS Products, Inc., and The Angela and Scott Jaggar Foundation.

Community Chest Executive Director Bobby Keller said “We created the Tweezerman Environmental Hero’s grant partnership to ensure that meaningful environmental programming like the RF Youth Climate Summit continue to inspire students to become climate action advocates”.

It brings together 100 students in grades 8-12 to learn from environmental leaders, participate in hands-on workshops, and collaborate on Climate Action Projects (CAPs) that will make a tangible impact on our community.

The RF Youth Climate Summit (RFYCS) is planned by our student-led committee, guided by Weber Middle School science teacher Kelsey Heyne and Residents Forward Vice President and Environmental Education Chair Mindy Germain, and reflects months of research and dedication. The RFYCS Planning Committee includes student leaders in grades 8-12th and also community members Susan Goldman, Claire Brezel, Stefanie Roth, Maria Shapiro, Dawn Serignese and Cynthia Litman and Caitlin Orellana.

The day kicks off with an overview of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report, presented by Schreiber High School students Sofia Leder and Brady Bailly, followed by a keynote from Youth Climate Education Advocate and LaGuardia High School Senior Maggie Handelman, who will discuss how young people can take action in the climate movement.
Students will then participate in two interactive workshops of their choice (advance registration is required):

• Circular Fashion: Make Second Hand Second Nature – Learn how sustainable fashion can reduce waste and create a circular economy. Panelists: Stacey Salzman of My Style Camp, Haley Lieberman Director of Community & Marketing at ClimateHaven, Lexie Sachs Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
• WaterVision: Creating a Resilient Future for Our Drinking Water – Explore how conservation, green infrastructure, and native planting can protect our water resources. Panelists: Sarah Meyland, a water specialist with a background in groundwater protection, water resources management, and environmental law, Dan Yannaccone Associate Principal at NYC landscape architecture firm MNLA, Brian Schneider Program Specialist New York Water Science Center of the US Geological Survey.
• Innovations in Waste Reduction – Understand the lifecycle of waste and how we can reduce, reuse, and rethink our consumption habits. Panelists: Michael White President and owner of L I Strategies, Inc., an environmental planning consulting firm, Marjorie Spitz-Rento co-founder of Table2Ground, a sustainability company focused on diverting industrial, commercial and institutional food waste from landfill, Nick Skeadas founder of Curbside Compost in Connecticut.
• Majors & Careers in Sustainability (Grades 10-12 Only) – Connect with industry leaders and discover career paths in sustainability and environmental science. Panelists: Alyssa Perez Kalbfell Environmental Defense Fund Marketing & Communications Manager, Mario Ferrone Climate Jobs NY, Andrew Fagerheim PhD student in Earth & Environmental Science at Columbia University, Maia Roseval Sustainability Manager at Farmingdale State College.

“What motivates me most to participate in the Youth Climate Summit is that I am aware that the health of our planet affects our quality of life, future generations, and resource availability. Whether through sustainable practices or advocacy, I want to take action. It is our duty to protect our home and create a healthy environment for future generations”, Zach 10th Grader

The student application can be found here. All local area students are encouraged to apply and will earn a certificate of completion for their college resumes. Residents Forward’s YCS is free to students, each seat has a $200 value which has been generously paid for by the YCS Sponsors.

The community is welcome to become involved: Community Members & Businesses: Support these young change makers by mentoring, sponsoring, or partnering on their projects.

Spread the Word: Share this opportunity with students, parents, and educators who want to be part of a brighter, greener future.

The 2025 Residents Forward Youth Climate presenting sponsors are:
The Community Chest of Port Washington
Tweezerman International LLC Environmental Heroes Grant Program
KISS Products, Inc.
Angela and Scott Jaggar Foundation
With additional support from: Mr. & Mrs. David Adler, Eco Leap, Hon. Delia Deriggi-Whitton, Tara Funk, Edward & Pasqual Dziadul, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Kirschenbaum, Mr. Lingfen Kung, Mrs. Ann Marie Benzinger, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Burrows, Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Gumper, Ms. Andreas Andreadis, Mr. & Mrs. Ira L. Zankel, Mr. Stuart Johnson, John & Kim Keiserman, Dorothy McDougald, Long Island Builders LLC, Steven P. Moore, Ms. Bonnie Doran, Amanda & Jason Leder, Ms. Rose Osterberg, Ms. Barbara Becker, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dina, Katherine McIntyre, Mr. & Mrs. Stuart D. Braman, Dr. & Mrs. Martin M. Kay, Dr. & Mrs Ted Brezel, Linda Villano - Serentipitea, Allison Muller and Danny Muller - Kicks4Change, The Kerpen Foundation and C. David Kerpen & Caroline Kerpen, MomTime Events, Elizabeth Bailly and Building Conservation Associates.

Caring for Port Washington for over 50 years, Residents Forward’s mission is to inspire and unify the residents of Port Washington to protect and advance the vibrancy, resiliency, and sustainability of our Peninsula. We realize our mission through our beautification, making environmental education accessible to all grades in Port Washington, and advocacy work.
For more information please call 516.767.9151 or visit www.residentsforward.org