The second ENGAGE Summit will be held this weekend in Casper with a focus on how young people can help build the Wyoming that they want to live in.
ENGAGE, which stands for "Empowering the Next Generations to Advance and Grow the Economy," wants to help young people get their voices heard. The summit is one way they're accomplishing that.
"Through the summit, we want folks to be able to gain knowledge, make connections, and leave with the tools and the inspiration to put down new roots in Wyoming and to create the future of Wyoming," said Allison Connell, ENGAGE's Chief of Planning.
"New Roots" is the theme of this year's event, showing the group's desire for young people to put down "new roots" in their own communities.
Casper was specifically selected as the host city because it's recently undergone a lot of change, and is now busy with regular farmers markets, art walks and new businesses.
Changes like that are something ENGAGE encourages. Connell said ENGAGE wants young people to help make the state an attractive option for both current and prospective residents, so the hands-on event will cover a range of subjects, such as economics, civic, and social topics.
"This summit is about learning how to build the Wyoming that we want to inherit," said Amber Savage, ENGAGE president.
The summit is free and open to those between 19 and 35, but those interested are asked to register on the website. Some sessions will also be live streamed on ENGAGE's Facebook page.