This Saturday, Wyoming’s students and young professionals will have the chance to give feedback on ENDOW, the state’s initiative to diversify the economy.

When Jon Updike read the preliminary recommendations for ENDOW, he wondered where young Wyomingites like himself fit into the picture. So he and some of his peers wrote a letter to the Casper Star-Tribune, encouraging the state to include younger voices.

Then Updike got a phone call from the office of Governor Matt Mead.

“Out of that came ENGAGE, which is an acronym that stands for Empowering the Next Generations to Advance and Grow the Economy,” said Updike.

ENGAGE is now a council with the ENDOW initiative. The council is holding a summit this weekend to give Wyomingites age 16 to 35, living both inside and outside of the state, a chance to share their ideas for the state’s future. Updike said it’s a unique opportunity.

“This is the first time that we know where there’s been state-level involvement requesting that feedback, that planning, that networking directly from the folks who will inherit this economy 20 years from now.”

The event is from 8 to 5:30 p.m. in Laramie at the Marian Rochelle Gateway Center. For those who can’t make it in person, the event will include remote participation and an online, comprehensive survey is also available. To register, click here. Lodging and meals will also be available on a first come first served basis for those that register.