Canyon Crest Conference to Host ‘Architects of the Future’

Around 400 high school students from all over San Diego County will gather at Canyon Crest Academy on Sunday to attend an interactive event whose mission is to inspire the “architects of the future.”

The lineup of more than 25 speakers and performers is only part of the TEDxYouth@SanDiego experience, as students will engage with 15 hands-on exhibits dedicated to technology, health and environment, and personal reflection.

Students will also have the chance to interact with big thinkers and achievers that have made advancements in science, art, humanity and other endeavors.

“Our student organizers set out to create an event that showcases true architects of the future of all disciplines, and calls to the architects of our future: our youth,” said Sonia Rhodes, executive producer for TEDxYouth@SanDiego. “It’s important to light a spark of possibility for our youth, so that through the power of ideas and a belief that anything is possible, young people of San Diego and the world can create the future we’re hoping for.”

The event returns to Canyon Crest after a successful inaugural run last year, this time with even more students and speakers. The list of speakers is posted on the TEDxYouth@SanDiego website, and a live video stream will be available online starting at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

TEDxYouth@SanDiego is affiliated with TED, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and spreading powerful ideas. It all started with a conference in 1984 that brought together bright minds involved with technology, entertainment and design, and has grown into a much larger global community.

Student organizers have partnered with TEDxSanDiego, which holds its own local version of a TED conference.

“Being part of the TEDxYouth@SanDiego organizing team these past seven months has allowed me to work with people I love on something I care deeply about,” said Olivia Klatch, student at Canyon Crest Academy. “It’s rare for a teenager to get the opportunity to be part of something this meaningful and this professional.”

Editor's Note: An earlier version of the article incorrectly stated the event was Saturday. The correct date is Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012.