Youth Policy 2004 Program Components

Final Report: The Keystone Center Policy Summit, “A Collaborative Project Between The Keystone Center and the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology, Agreement on Sustainable Energy for Transportation,” June 2004

The goal of the first The Keystone Center Policy Summit was to develop a national transportation policy position based on the use of sustainable energy, considering what technologies need to be implemented. Below are the components of this successful program.

Interactive Website
Each student will have access to the project's interactive website to share information with other students.

Sustainable Technology Research
Each student will investigate the scientific principles of a particular technology, the energy requirements, and its level of sustainability. Each 15 to 20 page research paper will be submitted to the project website. 

Stakeholder Engagement
Each student will identify a stakeholder in this issue to interview. This interview mentoring process will result in a position paper written by each student.

Non-biased Approach
Students learn critical thinking skills in the contextual model of the environment to learn new perspectives.

Facilitated Mediation
Professional facilitators will engage the students in a dialogue to resolve the issue of sustainable energy use for transportation.

Development of Policy Recommendation
The summit will conclude with the development of a national transportation policy position document on the use of sustainable energy.

Teacher Training
During student sessions, educators from the Consortium schools will attend workshops on science, public policy, and mediation techniques in problem solving.

Rocky Mountain Experiences
Students will enjoy educational hikes, team building and fun field activities that will enhance their academic experience in the pristine setting of the Colorado mountains.

The Keystone Center is a unique and innovative non-profit organization that strives to foster critical thinking and problem-solving through education, analysis and dialogue with all segments of civil society. The Keystone Center accomplishes its mission through its three centers of excellence: The Keystone Center for Science and Public Policy, The Keystone Center for Professional Education and Leadership and Keystone Science School. Together, they teach people of all ages, from all over the world, how to review critical information, find common ground among diverse interests, and use scientific reasoning and processes.

The National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science & Technology was established in 1985 to serve educators and students in the growing number of specialized high schools throughout the United States. NCSSSMST is a forum and clearinghouse for the exchange of information and program ideas among faculty, staff, and students from member schools and affiliated organizations. The Consortium comprises a network of research and development secondary schools with strong college and university affiliate members. NCSSSMST membership is extended to public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, organizations, and individuals whose primary interests are congruent with the mission of the Consortium.

For more information, contact Larry Walker at lwalker@conroeisd.net or Aaron Murray at amurray@keystone.org 970-468-2098.