Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB) recently announced the success of its annual conference, held last week in State College, drawing environmental leaders, volunteers, educators and policymakers from across the Commonwealth.

The two-day event, themed “35 years of Stewardship, Sustainability and Environmental Education,” featured workshops and community engagement sessions focused on solar energy, second-hand markets and recycling, programming and education that encourage waste minimization and inspires the next generation, leveraging corporate partnerships to advance your mission and more.

“This year’s conference was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together,” said Shannon Reiter, Executive Director of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “From grassroots volunteers to government officials, every participant plays a role in shaping a cleaner, greener Pennsylvania.”

Highlights from the conference included:

• Inspiring Keynote: A keynote address by Dr. Lara Fowler, Penn State Dickenson Law, emphasizing the power of community in fostering local resilience and economic well-being.

• Youth Engagement: Four enthusiastic Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Young Ambassadors representing Erie, Pike and Chester Counties brought fresh perspectives and energy to the event.

• Affiliate Innovation – Shark Tank Style hosted by DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley: Four KPB affiliates showcased their most innovative and impactful community improvement ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition. Scranton Tomorrow took home the $3,500 grant from MPLX to help bring their visionary project to life. Scranton Tomorrow will expand its collaboration with Marywood STARS, an after-school mentoring program for junior and senior high school students. The initiative aims to cultivate knowledge in native sustainable horticulture, foster civic engagement, and instill community pride. The program will culminate in a student-designed landscape planting at the Scranton Courthouse, a hands-on project that brings their learning and leadership to life in a meaningful public space.

“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful extends its gratitude to Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, Ezra Nanes, Mayor of State College Borough, KPB Board of Directors, DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley and all sponsors, speakers, and attendees who made the event possible,” expressed Reiter.

For more information about Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and upcoming initiatives, visit www.keeppabeautiful.org.