On America’s 250th birthday, 250 Minnesota teens will collaborate across differences to solve pressing civic challenges.

MARCH 9-10, 2026
WILLMAR CONFERENCE CENTER – WILLMAR, MN

America’s Future Summit empowers teens to make bold civic solutions a reality.

NOMINATE A STUDENT
APPLY NOW

Working in teams, students will collaborate across differences to innovate solutions in three fields: climate, education, and media.

The winning team will receive a $5,000 investment in their proposed solution. $1,000 will be split among runners-up.

ARE YOU READY TO BRIDGE DIVIDES?

Climate, Education, and Media are fields of opportunity fraught with division.
Each delegation will choose one field and innovate solutions that incorporate principles of bridging.

CLIMATE

How will your team
power a clean-energy future?

EDUCATION

How will your team
revive school
attendance?

MEDIA

How will your team leverage media to bridge civic divides?

APPLY NOW

FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

  • High school students living in Minnesota ('delegates’) will attend with an adult chaperone (‘advisors’) and form teams (‘delegations’) of 4 or 5 delegates. Delegations are encouraged to apply together and may have any affiliation (same high school, church group, scout troop, etc.)

  • Willmar Conference Center (240 23rd St SE, Willmar, MN 56201)

    Willmar is located about two hours west of the Twin Cities metro.

  • All conference goers are encouraged to stay in the America’s Future Summit block of hotel rooms onsite at Willmar Conference Center. Participants are responsible for making and paying for their own reservations. Rooms must be booked by Sunday, Feb 8, 2026 in order to receive the discounted rates listed on this page or below.

    Best Western Plus (2100 Highway 12 E, Willmar, Minnesota 56201)
    Place your reservation at    : (320) 235-6060
    $139.99 + tax / Standard Rooms
    $149.99 + tax / Double Rooms

    Holiday Inn Express (250 23rd Street Se, Willmar, MN, 56201, US)
    Place your reservation at (320) 231-2601
    $139.99 + tax / Standard Rooms
    $149.99 + tax / Double Rooms
    $159.99 + tax / Suites

  • America’s Future Summit will offer complimentary Park and Ride transportation hubs in Minneapolis and Saint Paul (details forthcoming). If you are unable to take the Park and Ride, you will be responsible for your own transportation costs. Parking onsite at the conference is free.

  • $250 per student ($200 for those who apply before the priority deadline of November 21, 2025)

    The tuition covers transportation, meals, materials, and programming. Students who stay in one of the onsite hotels will book and pay for their own stays.

    The registration fee is waived for chaperones.

AMERICA’S FUTURE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS