Youth Leadership in Action: Special Olympics Wisconsin Youth Summit Inspires Growth and Connection

Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Youth Activation Committee (YAC) continues to make an incredible impact across the state, highlighted by the success of the Annual Youth Summit held Friday, January 30. The Summit brought together youth leaders, educators, and advocates for a day of connection, learning, and inspiration and by every measure, it was a huge success.

Hosted at Ripon College, the event welcomed representatives from 12 schools and more than 160 students, creating an energetic and engaged environment throughout the day. Activities were interactive and fun, encouraging students to share ideas, build leadership skills, and strengthen their commitment to inclusion through Special Olympics Wisconsin programs.

In addition to student programming, approximately 25 educators attended a dedicated liaison session, where they had the opportunity to learn from one another and exchange best practices. Educators shared how valuable it was to connect with peers and deepen their understanding of how to support and grow Unified Champion Schools in their communities.

A special thank-you goes to our Unified Champion Schools team and the entire Youth Activation Committee for their leadership and dedication in planning such a phenomenal event. Their efforts extended beyond the Summit itself – the YAC’s Instagram presence saw a noticeable boost following the event, reflecting the excitement and momentum generated. (Be sure to follow along at @sowi_yac!)

The Summit also capped off an impressive period of growth for the team’s outreach efforts. Currently the program officially reached 165 schools statewide! With key recruitment moments like Polar Plunge and Spread the Word still ahead, the early achievement is a testament to the hard work and passion of youth leaders and staff alike.

Special Olympics Wisconsin is proud of the Youth Activation Committee and grateful for their continued leadership in creating inclusive school communities across the state.