Save the Date
November 18, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Acrisure Stadium
What is the Student Symposium?
This event is part of a series of student-centered events across Pennsylvania designed to elevate student voice, agency, and well-being. The symposiums aim to improve school climate by listening to students’ real experiences and ideas, helping shape future statewide education supports and mental wellness initiatives.
The symposiums are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education – Office of Safe Schools, in partnership with Intermediate Units across the state.
Who Will Participate?
- Middle and high school students across rural, urban, and suburban PA
- Dynamic keynote speaker Tre Tipton
- Facilitators and notetakers trained in youth engagement and trauma-informed practices
- Student groups such as SEPA, Aevidum, SHOUT, NAMI clubs, and more
Why It Matters
Student input is essential to creating inclusive, supportive, and safe learning environments. The symposiums will explore:
- What makes students feel like they belong
- How to improve access to help
- What supports and systems are missing or working well
Feedback will inform a statewide “Mental Wellness Report” to shape educational policy and practice.
Outcomes
A comprehensive “State of the State – Mental Wellness Report” based on student perspectives will be shared with Governor Shapiro. Actionable, student-driven data will be collected to support policy, programming, and resource allocation, as well as reinforcement of a statewide commitment to student agency and well-being.