November 5, 2026
America250-Ohio@fahlgren.com
America 250-Ohio Invites Young Ohioans to Help Imagine the State’s Next 50 Years Through “Be Your Future, Ohio!” Initiative
Youth ages 15-20 encouraged to share ideas for Ohio’s future and earn an opportunity to present at the Future Ohio Symposium
COLUMBUS, OHIO – (November 5, 2026) – America 250-Ohio is calling on Ohio’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers to help envision the state’s future through Be Your Future, Ohio!, a statewide youth engagement initiative within Future Ohio, that invites young people ages 15-20 to share their ideas for what Ohio can become in the years ahead.
The initiative encourages participants to submit an original idea that would change, create, improve, or imagine a better future for Ohio. Youth can explore a wide range of topics, including technology, education, health and wellness, business, civic engagement, the environment, arts and culture, transportation, and community development.
Submissions will be accepted through November 20, 2026, and a select group of participants will be invited to present their ideas before state leaders and industry experts at the Future Ohio Symposium on December 10 in Columbus.
“Young people are not only the future of Ohio, they’re helping shape it right now,” said Todd Kleismit, Executive Director of America 250-Ohio. “Be Your Future, Ohio! gives youth an opportunity to share their creativity, vision, and perspectives with leaders who are actively working to strengthen our state’s future. We want to hear the ideas that inspire them and the changes they hope to see.”
The project is part of Future Ohio, America 250-Ohio’s December 2026 initiative that encourages Ohioans to reflect on the state’s past while envisioning its future. The month-long programming will culminate in the Future Ohio Symposium on December 10th in Columbus, bringing together leaders from business, education, government, technology, philanthropy, and other sectors to explore the opportunities and challenges that will shape Ohio for generations to come. Through Be Your Future, Ohio!, youth voices will become part of those important conversations.
Participants do not need to be experts or have fully developed plans to participate.
“Your idea doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be yours,” said Kleismit. “We’re looking for imagination, curiosity, and fresh perspectives from young Ohioans who care about their communities and the future of our state.”
Interested youth can submit ideas related to:
- Technology & Science
- Health & Well-being
- Arts, Culture & Creativity
- Environment & Sustainability
- Transportation & Infrastructure
- Business, Workforce & Entrepreneurship
- Education & Learning
- Community Belonging & Philanthropy
- Civic Engagement, Government & Leadership
Submissions can be made online at https://tinyurl.com/AM250OHFuture.
More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.
