Around 60 student leaders from Walter B. Saul High School, Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School, and The U School came together at the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum and Gardens for the 13th Annual Outdoor Career Symposium.
Under the theme of “Leadership in a Changing Climate,” the students—all passionate environmental sustainability leaders, many of whom come from agricultural education backgrounds in their schools—engaged with local community organizations to discuss opportunities in their field and resources for getting involved.
Organizations in attendance included Farm Philly, The Food Trust, PA Sea Grant, PA Outdoor Corps, Philadelphia Food Advisory Council/FNC Farms, Sunrise Movement Philadelphia, Penn Sustainability, and Philadelphia Outward Bound School.
Student attendees shared their future goals with the organizations and each other, such as wanting to start their own greenhouses, work on their own farms, and pursue marine biology and ecotherapy. By sharing their voices, experiences, and visions, the students proved that the Philadelphia region has a bright future in environmental sustainability.