Youth Energy Summit (YES!) is a team-oriented youth program that uses hands-on, experiential learning and energy action projects to address energy opportunities and issues in rural Minnesota communities.  

We're excited to tell you that YES! has expanded in 2009-2010 and is partnered with the Prairie Ecology Bus Center! YES! has involved 10-12 teams of students from schools in southwest and west-central Minnesota for the past two years through a partnership between Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center and the Southwest Initiative Foundation. As the students engage in energy-related education and activities, it has been amazing to see their creativity and knowledge at work in their schools and communities.  

Through YES!, teams of students grades 8 through 12 participate in events and activities during the school year to increase their knowledge about energy issues. Coached by an adult advisor, the youth teams then plan and implement energy action projects in their communities. Projects are judged and prizes awarded for outstanding work. Teams are guided by informed staff from the Prairie Ecology Bus Center and Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center and are provided with the knowledge, networks, and leadership skills to place them at the forefront of our region's future renewable energy workforce. Through YES!, students build leadership skills and awareness of career, education, and economic opportunities related to renewable energy, conservation, climate change and more!

Mike Swenson is PEBC's Project YES! Coordinator

Project YES! Fall 2009 Update click here

Summary of YES! Team Energy Action Projects for 2009-2010

Project YES! Winter Workshop click here

Click here to see photos of events!

YES! 2009-2010 is administered by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, implemented through partnerships with Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center and Prairie Ecology Bus Center, and funded in part by the Minnesota Renewable Energy Marketplace: An Alliance for Talent Development. For more information, click on the links below or contact Mike Swenson at michael@ecologybus.org or 320-583-4775.

Say YES!  Put energy into our future!  www.youthenergysummit.com