Students were given the chance to use different media to convey their thoughts about job opportunities, the environment, and what decisions they might make for 2030.
Wyoming youth made their hopes for the state’s future heard in a narrative contest called Imagining Wyoming’s Future: A Youth Vision for 2030.
“We realized that young people in the state of Wyoming aren’t often part of those conversations about what the future of the state could look like and what they want,” Matt Henry, one of the contest organizers and a professor in the UW Honors College, said.
“Part of the consequences of that is that there has been a trend over the last few decades of younger people leaving the state of Wyoming because they don’t see opportunities here.”
The contest recognized 10 students under the age of 20, with the first-place going to Ethan Cearlock of Powell, second place awarded to Kelli Frimml of Worland, and third-place going to Hayley Pearson-Horner of Cody.
The contest received over 50 entries from across the state.
Multiple organizations across campus and the state partnered to create the contest, including the Ruckelshaus institute in the Haub School of environment and natural resources, Wyoming2030, the UW Honors College.
The contest’s aim was to make youth voices heard by community members and leaders across the state.
“It’s pretty clear that young people pay attention in the state and are thinking about these issues, the future, and how to solve problems in some really unique ways,” Henry said.
Henry also said it was interesting to read about what the state’s youth valued, including wide open spaces, diversity and inclusivity, and clean air.
Some of the entries tackled topics such as bullying, mental health, and budget issues.
“I was very struck by the deep desire to come together as a community for the benefit of everyone; there were lots of references to political division, which I thought was interesting,” said Michelle Sullivan, Director of the Wyoming Afterschool Alliance and coordinator of Wyoming2030.
“I would I hope that decision makers would recognize the importance and value of really listening to young ppl and their perspectives.”
Henry said that the state needed more opportunities for young people to be heard and have their voices at the forefront of Wyoming’s future.
“I think that our leadership needs to listen to young people and keep their interests in mind, but that onus doesn’t just fall on our leadership,” Henry said.
“I think we in the communities need to create more opportunities for young people to actually have their voices heard.”
Henry said that there are hopes to continue the contest in the future, as well as expand it into a bigger event.
