Dive Deeper Summit

ABOUT THE IN-PERSON CONFERENCE

The Dive Deeper Summit is a biennial, multi-state environmental education conference designed for those who teach youth about water or seek engaging tools and resources to support water education. This full-day event features your choice of concurrent session presentations, dynamic exhibits, morning refreshments, a lunch buffet, networking opportunities, and even the chance to have your home drinking water tested. New for 2025, the summit will include a pre-conference field study and an evening reception featuring an educational film screening and expert panel discussion. Whether you’re an educator, interpreter, or informal learning professional, the Dive Deeper Summit offers innovative, hands-on strategies to inspire the next generation of water stewards.

WHEN

September 24-25, 2025
(10:00 AM-4:00 PM)

WHERE

Best Western Premier The Central Hotel & Conference Center
800 E Park Dr
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Register By: September 12, 2025
See event fee details.

Who is this for?

Formal and non-formal educators
K–12 teachers and environmental educators
4-H leaders and youth program coordinators
Conservation district staff and watershed professionals
Outdoor educators, interpreters, and nature center staff
Anyone interested in water education and water resource issues
What will you learn?

Gain insight from dynamic and informative speakers
Explore current and emerging water issues in the mid-Atlantic region and beyond
Discover engaging curriculum ideas to take back to your classroom or program
Expand your network with fellow educators and water resource professionals
Learn about new technologies to enhance your STEM and water education programming
Earn Credits

Act 48 Hours will be provided to Pennsylvania Certified teacher attendees. No indication of this is required during registration, but those desiring hours must bring their PDE ID# with them to the conference.

Scholarships Available

Are you a classroom teacher in a Pennsylvania K–12 school? Apply for a scholarship to attend the 2025 Dive Deeper Summit at no cost. Scholarships cover in-person registration, including all sessions, morning refreshments, lunch, exhibits, networking, and more.

Limited to the first 20 eligible applicants
Must submit a letter from an administrator on school district letterhead to Brad Kunsman bjk21@psu.edu
Registration deadline: September 12, 2025
No-shows will be invoiced for the full registration amount
Learn more and apply on the Scholarships page.

Free Water Testing

Participants attending the conference in person will have the opportunity to bring a sample of their home drinking water for testing. This educational service will provide valuable information about the safety of your drinking water. It also serves as an excellent example of how to incorporate water testing as a classroom activity for students.

Additional details will be sent to all in-person registrants closer to the conference date.

Steering Committee Members

The Dive Deeper Summit would not be possible without the combined efforts of the event’s steering committee. Sincere thanks to:

Brad Kunsman – Penn State Extension, Agricultural Conservation and Water Resources
Jenn Fetter – Penn State Extension, Water Resources Team Leader
Susan Boser – Penn State Extension, Water Resources
Genny Christ – Penn State Extension, Agricultural Conservation
Liz Fulton – Penn State Ag and Environment Center
Paul McFarland – Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania 4-H
Carissa Longo – Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Parks
Kimberly Lott – Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Parks
Michelle Niedermeier – Pennsylvania Sea Grant
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Erik Schlimmer
Author

Space is limited. Preregistration is required.

Register By
September 12, 2025