Governor Walz to Keynote Youth Leadership and Success Summit for Olmsted County High School Students

- Sep 16, 2026

Administration

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton is sponsoring the Youth Leadership and Success Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at Mayo Civic Center. The event is open to high school students throughout Olmsted County.

Students will have opportunities to deepen their understanding of effective leadership, learn more about how democratic systems shape communities and explore career pathways for personal and professional growth. The summit will also emphasize mental well-being as a foundation for meaningful engagement and long-term success.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will deliver the keynote address. Other featured speakers include Dr. Mohamed Ahmed, Associate Vice President for Equity & Inclusive Excellence at Winona State University, and Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, Director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.

“This summit is about giving students a space to learn from one another, build confidence and recognize the important role they can play in shaping their communities,” Norton said. “Their ideas and perspectives matter, and I hope students leave the summit with new connections, new opportunities and a greater sense of how they can make a difference.”

Event Details

What: Youth Leadership and Success Summit
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. (dinner provided)
Where:

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive SE
5 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Historic Chateau Theatre, 15 1st St. SW

Who: High school students in Olmsted County

Advance registration is required: Register for the Youth Leadership and Success Summit.

The Youth Leadership and Success Summit is sponsored by the Office of the Mayor as part of Norton’s Year About Youth 2 initiative. The summit is presented in partnership with the Rochester Olmsted Youth Council, with support from Mayo Clinic and Destination Medical Center.

Norton launched Year About Youth in 2025 to highlight youth development, engagement and opportunities throughout Rochester. She continued that commitment in 2026 with Year About Youth 2, extending the initiative’s focus on supporting and engaging youth in the community.