October 20, 2026 | Written by Lindsey Barta

On October 8, 2026, more than 200 students, teachers and nonprofit leaders filled Northern Kentucky University's Votruba Student Union for Magnified Giving's 2026 Youth Leadership & Service Conference. Over one packed day, 131 students from 12 schools across Kentucky and Ohio explored the causes they care about, served alongside one another, and connected with 20 local nonprofits ready to put their energy to work.

The conference carries on a long tradition. It began as the service-learning workshop sponsored by the Mayerson Foundation, where teachers, students and nonprofits gathered to share what works in service-learning and to give young people real leadership opportunities. Magnified Giving is proud to continue that work with the support of the Mayerson Foundation and Northern Kentucky University.

A Leader in Progress

After a welcome from Dr. Ryan Padgett, NKU's Associate Provost for Strategic Enrollment Planning and Student Success, students heard from keynote speaker Camryn Morrow, a Magnified Giving alumna. Camryn first met Magnified Giving in her middle school classroom, where her class chose a nonprofit and presented a check to Women Helping Women. "In that moment, I thought: I am going to be just like [Magnified Giving Founder] Roger Grein," she told the crowd, adding with a smile, "I'm still working on that one, Roger!"

Magnified Giving Founder, Roger Grein, and Camryn Morrow.

Camryn went on to graduate from the University of Cincinnati and earn her master's degree from Harvard, both as a first-generation student. She shared how she and her college peers organized to ask their university for more mental health resources, counselors and scholarship support. "We weren't the people in charge. We were students who refused to stay quiet," she said. "Leadership isn't a title. It's what you do when you see something that needs to change."

She also spoke openly about failure, reminding students that leading means it's okay to fall and get back up. Then she challenged them to make the most of the day: "Go to the breakouts. Talk to the nonprofits at the volunteer fair. Sign up for something that scares you a little." Her closing words set the tone for everything that followed: "You don't have to have it all figured out to be a leader... I am a leader in progress."

Philanthropy in Action: A $250 Decision with a Story Behind It

One of the day's most meaningful moments came during a pop-up service project titled Philanthropy in Action: $250 Giving Circle. Students were introduced to philanthropy and the 2025 Giving USA numbers before putting their learning into action. They split into groups, researched nonprofits they wanted to advocate for, prepared 90-second pitches for their peers, and voted to award a $250 grant to the organization they felt most passionate about supporting.

One group advocated for 1N5, an organization whose mission is to "prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness." During the presentation, one student shared that she had lost a friend to suicide just two weeks earlier. She chose to advocate for 1N5 so that other young people and families wouldn't have to experience the same loss. When the votes were counted, the students chose 1N5 to receive the grant.

Fortunately, 1N5 was also part of the conference, leading a breakout session and hosting a table at the Community Connections Volunteer Fair. Their presence created a special opportunity to celebrate the students' decision in person. During lunch, students presented 1N5 with the $250 grant and a big check, connecting their advocacy directly with the organization working to make a difference.

This experience was a powerful reminder of why youth philanthropy matters. Behind every cause is a story, a personal connection, and a desire to make things better. When students research the causes they care about, advocate for them, and make decisions together, they learn that their voices can raise awareness, support organizations making a difference, and create positive change in their communities.

More Ways Youth “Showed Up”

The Giving Circle was one of three pop-up service projects, each designed to bring together students from many different schools. With MightyMeshaun, students designed and made 20 shirts for pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, built for comfort and port access and carrying messages of encouragement. With New Life Furniture Bank, students assembled more than 30 Welcome Home Bags for families moving into new homes.

Students also chose from 17 breakout sessions led by nonprofits, educators and community leaders, covering topics from mental health and violence prevention to immigration, homelessness, inclusion, media literacy and civic action. After lunch, two students from each school met in roundtable discussions to share how service happens at their schools and trade ideas for partnering together. The day closed with the Community Connections Volunteer Fair, where students met nonprofits at 15 tables and asked how they could get involved.

What Students Took Home

Students left the conference ready to lead. In the post-event survey, 93.5% said the conference helped them understand how they can make a difference in their community, and 91% said they feel more confident in their ability to lead. Even more encouraging, 78% said they are likely to take action on a community issue within the next 30 days, whether by learning more about a cause, volunteering with a local organization, or starting a club at their school.

When asked to finish the sentence "Because of this conference I feel...," students wrote that they feel "empowered to make a big change in my community!!" and "like there are many opportunities for me to make a difference right now." One student simply wrote, "like I'm not alone."

Teachers felt the impact too. One left feeling that "my students have the knowledge and confidence to make a real difference and that I have the tools to support them."

Thank You

Magnified Giving is deeply grateful to the Mayerson Foundation for supporting the Youth Leadership & Service Conference, and to Northern Kentucky University for hosting us. Thank you to our keynote speaker Camryn Morrow, to every nonprofit partner who led a session or hosted a table, and to the teachers who brought their students. Most of all, thank you to the students who showed up ready to listen, serve and lead. We can't wait to see what you do next.

Interested in bringing youth philanthropy to your school or youth-focused program? Learn more about Magnified Giving's programs at www.magnifiedgiving.org/youth-philanthropy-program.