Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders.
The BHIC Youth Sustainability Symposium engages high school students in thought-provoking, real-world conversations about conserving and preserving coastal resources for future generations in the face of climate and other human-driven changes, with an emphasis on balancing environmental, economic, and social needs.
This unique educational experience brings together and empowers North Carolina high school students to become leaders who make sustainable decisions in their lives, communities, and beyond. Aligned with NC State Standards, the symposium features speaker sessions led by environmental leaders, organizations, and scientists, followed by a workshop where teens use real data to apply their knowledge to current environmental challenges. The day culminates in hands-on environmental art activities with local artists and a service-learning project on Bald Head Island.
The Youth Sustainability Symposium gives high school students an engaging, inquiry-driven experience that builds sustainable decision-making skills, introduces them to a variety of STEM careers through mentorship and career resources, and deepens their understanding of the multifaceted nature of environmental challenges and the multidisciplinary approaches required to address them.
To support these goals, students participate in a series of hands-on activities, including:
Speaker Series featuring local environmental professionals from organizations such as the NC Coastal Reserve, UNCW Sustainability, the Village of Bald Head Island, and the Bald Head Island Conservancy.
College Student Career Panel offering insight into academic pathways and career preparation.
Barrier Island Management Plan Group Activity where students assume stakeholder roles and debate a coastal development decision before sharing their group’s process and conclusions.
Sustainable Art-Making Workshop led by a local artist, introducing students to sustainable paper-making.
Service Learning Projects such as marine debris cleanups, oyster shell bagging, sea turtle cage building, and trail maintenance.
Reflection Activity inviting students to consider what they learned and how the experience shaped their perspectives.
March 17, 2026
9:00 AM
Ferry to Bald Head Island, NC
Morning
Welcome & Speakers Series
Career Panel Discussion
Lunch & Networking
Afternoon
Barrier Island Management Working
Reflection Art Activity
Service-Learning Project
5:15 PM
Ferry back to Southport, NC
Interested?
Click the link below and complete the short form to secure your spot in this year’s Symposium.
The Youth Sustainability Symposium exists thanks to the generosity and vision of Tamara and Steven Polge. Their support laid the foundation for a program that is already shaping how young people think, lead, and make sustainable decisions in their communities. We are grateful for their commitment to empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.
We also thank our past speakers and artists – Fritzi Huber, NC Coastal Reserve, Village of Bald Head Island, UNCW Sustainability, and UNCW Earth & Ocean Science – whose expertise and creativity enriched the Symposium and made it a hands-on, inspiring, and transformative experience for students.
The Youth Sustainability Sympo
