KEARNEY, Neb.— Youth leaders from across Central Nebraska are taking helpful tips and tricks home as part of the Power of Change Youth Summit.

The Buffalo County Community Partners, in coordination with the Crane River Theater, Region 3 Behavioral Health Services and UNK hosted a youth summit on Wednesday for high school leaders.

The Youth Summit, originally spawned from UNK Student Health three years ago, is completely ran by the Buffalo County Youth Advisory Board. The Board consists of high school students across Central Nebraska who gather to decide themes and issues that youth are experiencing, that potentially aren’t covered in school assemblies or curriculums. 

This event for high school students, by high school students, shared information through breakout groups, activities, and resourceful conversation. 

Headliner Jason LeVasseur focused the overarching theme of the Summit on his ‘Rockstar Project’.

This project directly focuses on how to be a leader within your own ‘band’, school or group. He placed an emphasis on changing the culture within youth groups regardless of position or status. Ellery Butterfield with Buffalo County Community Partners serves as co-planner. 

“You have the power to be the change and we really believe that,” said Butterfield. “The students who attend the Power of Change Youth Summit are going to walk away feeling as though they have the tools, resources, skills and support to be the change they want to see in their communities.”

The event also included resource booths from various businesses in Buffalo County, a luncheon, and connection building activities.