(Photo courtesy of the Prosperity Roundtable)

A local initiative is calling on the youth of Chatham-Kent to provide their out-of-the-box ideas to make a positive change in the community.

The Prosperity Roundtable is hosting a two-evening conference on September 20-21 where up to 50 local high school students will be able to connect, inspire, and change those around them by coming up with original ideas that they would like to see implemented in the municipality.

Up to $35,000 will be invested as part of the Ignite Conference to make these ideas a reality.

“It’s time that young people have an opportunity to lead, and have their ideas invested in, if we are going to see real progress in Chatham-Kent,” said Katie Goulet, the engagement lead for Prosperity Roundtable, in a news release. “The entire goal of this conference is to start this growing community of young people who are celebrated for their out-of-the-box ideas and their ambitions to bring these ideas to life.”

The Prosperity Roundtable said it plans to continue supporting Chatham-Kent’s youth and will be providing workshops, mentorships, and further funding in the future.

The Ignite Conference will be held at the Portuguese Canadian Social Club in Chatham on September 20-21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more details about the conference and information on how to register, click here.