Changemakers trip to Florida- a Recap
In late June, 6 students from the CYV network traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete at the 2025 YMCA of the USA National Changemakers Summit. These high-achieving students were selected to represent Minnesota at the conference along with 80 students from across the country. The students submitted project proposals identifying an issue in their local community and a solution that they’ve identified to address the issue. The Minnesota teams presented their project proposals to a diverse panel of judges and received invaluable feedback about how to strengthen their projects and their implementation. After a full day of presenting and listening in on presentations from other states, the Changemakers then headed to Universal Studios to celebrate and spend time with new friends. Learn some more about their projects below:
Project Leaders: Morgan Coleman, Trystin Burnham
Project Summary: The Mississippi River is vital not only for human existence, providing essential natural resources, power, and goods, but also for over 280 species that call the river home. Substantial amounts of damage began transforming the great Mississippi decades ago however the discussion and plans put in place to solve the issue have not contributed enough for us to see a change. The Mississippi faces obstacles such as pollution, habitat loss and invasive species but that's only the start. Project M.I.S.S. works to monitor environmental changes, integrate substantial practices, support restoration efforts and sustain ecosystems for future generations. Due to how overlooked the situation is many are unaware of the obstacles the Mississippi faces, such as pollution, habitat loss and invasive species but that's only the start. It’s very possible that we may never fully recover from this neglect, which is why we need project M.I.S.S. to solve this tremendous problem.
Project Leaders: Annika Ries, Jaylyn Rath
Project Summary: Stars for the Raiders is a project designed to help teachers in need within the Hastings Minnesota community. We aim to ensure teachers have the supplies needed to guide their student's education. Oftentimes, teachers in Hastings do not get enough money to accommodate the replenishment of students’ school supplies. For each spike of the star, it represents each school within the Hastings school district, three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Project Leaders: Averie Younge, Mahitha Malisetti
Project Summary: The Block Party is a youth-led podcast that redefines the classic neighborhood block party by transforming it into a platform for civil discourse. Just as a block party brings neighbors together to connect over shared spaces, this podcast invites guests to build understanding through collaborative LEGO construction. By engaging in open and honest dialogue while making a shared creation, The Block Party fosters a sense of community, reduces the anxiety and awkwardness often associated with difficult conversations, and ultimately promotes a more informed and understanding society.