MU Regional Student Environmental Conference is free to students, educators

North Manchester, IN (08/11/2026) — Manchester University's Center for Environmental Resilience and Social Engagement and Earth Charter Indiana are proud to host the inaugural Regional Student Environmental Conference on Monday, September 28 at Manchester University's North Manchester campus. This event welcomes high school and college students and educators from across Northeast Indiana and includes a keynote lecture by entomologists and award-winning educators Kristie Reddick and Jess Honaker, also known as "The Bug Chicks."

The Regional Student Environmental Conference aims to connect youth, educators and local experts in environmental education, stewardship and action.

The conference will begin with a welcome session at 9 a.m. followed by presentations from high school and college students who will share success stories about implementing environmental initiatives on their campuses and in their communities.

The Bug Chicks will present an hour-long convocation at 11 a.m. in Cordier Auditorium about their work using insects to fight apathy and build capacity in education. They specialize in connecting STEM and social-emotional learning and use bugs as a tool to foster empathy for themselves, others and the natural world. This lecture, part of Manchester University's Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) series, is free and open to the public.

Afternoon conference sessions will focus on supporting students in enacting environmental initiatives with guidance from local subject matter experts and environmental organizations. The Bug Chicks will engage with high school and college students about careers in the sciences, entomology as a career, and their work in the Amazon Rainforest. Focus will also be on conservation here at home, and what it means to be a human doing conservation work. They will also have live arthropods for students to learn about and interact with.

The conference will conclude with optional hands-on demonstration projects related to environmental stewardship and conservation starting at 2 p.m.

In the evening, following the student conference, The Bug Chicks will host a free professional development workshop for educators. This program is for those who want more training on successfully working with students outdoors and incorporating the process of science into their lessons. Topics covered in training include how to manage a group outdoors, engaging mixed age groups, respectful discourse around challenging conversations, and more.

High school and college students, as well as educators, are welcome. There is no cost to attend the conference, keynote lecture or educator workshop. Lunch will be provided for conference attendees thanks to generous sponsors.

Find more information and RSVP for the conference or professional development workshop by Sept 21 at: www.manchester.edu/event/regional-student-environmental-conference/.

For the media

Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

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Entomologists and award-winning educators Kristie Reddick and Jess Honaker, also known as "The Bug Chicks."

Manchester University

MU Regional Student Environmental Conference is free to students, educators

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