Sixteen high schools attending our largest ever youth conference in Billings this Spring.

Strengthening Identity. Building Young Leaders. Growing Community.

This year’s Vision to Voice Youth Conference was truly inspiring and a major milestone for Expanding Horizons. We welcomed 178 students from 16 high schools across Montana, plus 3 organizations, including the first group from outside Montana, the Salt River Pima group, who traveled a great distance to be part of this experience. With chaperones included, we had over 208 participants, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy and excitement.

Participating High Schools

  • Lame Deer
  • Browning (Pikuni Legacy)
  • Cut Bank
  • Brockton
  • Frazer
  • Wolf Point
  • Box Elder
  • Big Sandy
  • Billings West
  • Billings Senior
  • Skyview
  • Lockwood
  • Chief Plenty Coups
  • Dodson
  • Hays-Lodgepole
  • Harlem

Participating Groups

  • Boys and Girls Club of Northern Cheyenne
  • Bighorn Academy
  • Salt River Pima Group

A Personal Perspective

Attending the conference firsthand, I saw our vision of youth leadership come alive. The event was well-attended, and every participant was engaged and attentive. The energy in the room was undeniable, and it was amazing to see students and chaperones connecting, learning, and growing together.

All of the speakers and presenters did a fantastic job, each bringing their own insight and encouragement. The combined efforts of everyone involved created a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants.

One moment that stood out to me happened on the last day. A student became emotional and thanked me and the staff, sharing that they had been going through difficult times and that this conference had helped them get through it. It was a powerful reminder of the positive impact these gatherings have on young people.

Looking Ahead

The Vision to Voice Youth Conference not only delivered on its mission but set a high bar for future events. As the largest event in Expanding Horizons’ history, it represents a milestone in expanding opportunities for youth leadership. Our next step is to recap the event internally, gather insights, and continue building on this success for future conferences.