Students from across the Lake Superior watershed participated in the 15th Biennial Lake Superior Youth Symposium from April 20-23 at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. Community support was instrumental in helping twenty-two students in grades 8-12 from seven schools in the Western UP to participate in the 4-day symposium.

“Without the support of the community, participation in the 2023 symposium would not have been possible,” noted advisor and local coordinator, Joan Chadde. Funding is needed to cover students’ registration, meals and lodging, and coach bus transportation. In past years, participation in the symposium was largely dependent upon student- and teacher-fundraising. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the participation of western UP students in this year's symposium was entirely funded by local donations, and grants of $1,000 from the Herman Gundlach Fund and $2,000 from the Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund, both managed by the Keweenaw Area Community Foundation (KCF).

Participants, advisors, and organizers of the 2023 15th Biennial Lake Superior Youth Symposium.

Since its start in 1995, the Biennial Lake Superior Youth Symposium has provided a unique place-based, educational opportunity for both students and educators. Continuation and organization of the symposium is driven by volunteers. Each symposium is hosted by an educational institution – university or high school – and is held at a different location in the Lake Superior watershed – Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario – every two years.

Each symposium is unique, shaped by its location and the local hosts. This year’s symposium, coordinated by Northland College educators Kathryn Jenkins, Annalee Mott, and Claire Emmons, was designed to be 30% science and 70% heart, which was clearly evident by the powerful impact it had on participants. The symposium offers youth an experience like no other – an opportunity to learn about the Lake Superior watershed through field trips, inspiring presenters, and small group activities weaving together Lake Superior ecology, music, artistic expression, cultural history, potential careers, and environmental stewardship — all while creating a sense of shared responsibility and developing useful skills. Educators are key to encouraging students’ to attend the symposium.

"All of our Houghton Middle and High School students had a great time. The weekend was full of unique and new experiences that got them out of the traditional school setting for a few days, and allowed them to meet new people and immerse themselves in our natural environment and learning in new ways. One student reported that it was life-changing. All of them said that learning and playing traditional Lacrosse with young members of the Bad River Tribe was a highlight."

Jesse DePue, Houghton High School Science Teacher

Students attending the 2023 symposium came from Lake Linden-Hubbell, Dollar Bay-Tamarack City, Houghton-Portage, Ewen-Trout Creek and Ironwood School Districts, in addition to, Community Alliance for Progressive Education (CAPE) and Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC).

Participants enjoyed field trips to the Red Cliff Fishery, Copper Falls State Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Sea Caves, Organic Food Production & Composting, Ashland Art & Murals via Bicycles, Stormwater Control on Campus, and How to Forage for Edible Plants, plus they enjoyed a Friday evening LaCrosse game with students from the nearby Bad River tribe.

As the symposium came to a close, both students and educators could not say enough positive things about their experience.

“I have been able to talk and learn from people of other cultures that I would not have been able to otherwise.”

12th grade student, Dollar Bay-TC High School

“This was such an eye-opening experience into my future and how much I Iove the place I live.”

10th grade student from Houghton High School

“I never knew how beautiful our area is until now! Thanks a million!”

10th grade student, Houghton High School

Representatives from each state and Ontario will meet this Fall to begin planning for the 2025 Biennial Lake Superior Youth Symposium and developing a strategic plan or long-term sustainability. The next Biennial Lake Superior Youth Symposium will be held at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Questions regarding the next symposium can be directed to Amy Kireta, the 2025 symposium coordinator, akireta@d.umn.edu or 218-726-7409.

The following donors made it possible for Western UP students to attend:

The Herman Gundlach Fund at KCF
The Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund at KCF
Friends of the Land of Keweenaw (FOLK)
The Nitrate Elimination Co, Inc. (NECI)
Private individuals and community organizations through the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative: Patricia Heiden, Sally Santeford, Sarah Green
Copper Country Trout Unlimited
MiSTEM Network grant through the Michigan Department of Education
Michigan Tech University Center for Science & Environmental Outreach
National Science Foundation grant to MTU Award# 2136139

The following organizations helped to make this opportunity available to local students:

Copper Country Intermediate School District
Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative
Western UP MiSTEM Network
Participating School Districts: Houghton, Lake Linden-Hubbell, Ewen-Trout Creek, Dollar-Bay Tamarack City, and Ironwood Area Schools

####

Community Supports the 15th Biennial Lake Superior Youth Symposium