Student-led. Community-focused. Action-oriented. With environmental justice and climate action in the spotlight, the Environmental Justice Summit builds working relationships between University students and the greater Twin Cities community.
What to Expect
The Environmental Justice Summit is a place to come together, listen, connect and learn. It explores environmental justice across climate, food systems, water, health, policy and economic opportunity.
You can expect:
- Students and community organizations building meaningful connections
- Opportunities to discover ways to get involved locally
- Tabling by community-based organizations
- Speakers and panel discussions
- Breakout sessions and facilitated conversations
- Dedicated networking time
Open to students, community members, organizations and partners, the Environmental Justice Summit welcomes anyone interested in advancing environmental justice in Minnesota.
Convening is one of the best times for university students, collaborative partners, and community organizations to gather in the same space and to uplift environmental justice and awareness.
Britt Howell, 2025 Community Mentor
How to Get Involved
Attend the Summit
Join us for dialogue, networking and collaboration across sectors.
The Environmental Justice Summit is open to all. Mark your calendar for our next event, or join IonE’s mailing list to receive updates about the Environmental Justice Summit.
Become a Partner
Whether you’re an individual community member or an organization, you’re welcome to get involved. Become a mentor or reserve a table to share your work. Connect with students and build relationships across the University and Twin Cities community. Many partners return year after year.
Organize Undergraduate Leaders
The Summit is planned each year by a small team of students in IonE’s Undergraduate Leaders program. Explore sustainability challenges across fields and gain hands-on experience working alongside community mentors.
How It Started
Students at the University of Minnesota saw a real need for a space where environmental justice is the focus — not a side conversation. Out of that student passion, the Environmental Justice Summit was born.
Each year, the Summit is planned and led by a small team from IonE’s Undergraduate Leaders program. They’re guided by community mentors and partners, with support from IonE staff. Students shape the theme, invite speakers and design the experience.
IonE’s role is to provide structure, mentorship and institutional support so students can conduct meaningful conversations centered on environmental justice. Community leaders, practitioners and lived experience shape the dialogue. The Summit reflects the voices and priorities of the students and partners who participate.
The Environmental Justice Summit is as much a leadership opportunity for students as it is a public event. Students from across UMN campuses collaborate on today’s most pressing environmental justice issues and help hold space for dialogue across sectors.
Have Questions?
Reach out to Learning and Development Program Coordinator Katrina Mraz.