Middle and high school students and their teachers from schools across New York state gathered at the Niagara Falls Convention Center on March 20 to attend the 8th Annual Youth Action Conference, hosted by Niagara University’s Ostapenko Center for Race, Equity and Mission. This year’s theme was “Leading with Love and Defending Justice.”
Developed and implemented by the Ostapenko 2025 Youth Council, the conference featured a variety of student-facilitated workshops on topics including engaging young voters, creating inclusive sports, and the impact of missing and murdered Indigenous people on Native communities. In addition to workshops, students had an opportunity to speak with nonprofit vendors about financial literacy, health and mental health, and arts and cultural opportunities. They were also able to participate in yoga and learn Hands-Only CPR.
“The workshops and activities were led by high school and college students to foster collaboration and critical thinking,” said Dr. Rolanda Ward, endowed faculty director of the Ostapenko Center and chair and professor of social work. “Creating an entirely youth-led environment allows for unique engagement around topics students feel are meaningful to them and their communities.”
The conference was sponsored by the Education Collaborative of WNY, the University at Buffalo CIGBS, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, and MENTOR New York.
