Dive Deeper Summit
- Length
- 2 Days
- Language
- English
- Note
- Please check back for future occurrences of this event.
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.
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
Professional Development
Act 48 Hours will be provided to Pennsylvania Certified teachers. No indication of this is required during registration, but those desiring hours must bring their PDE ID# with them to the conference.
- 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
- 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
Guidance Regarding COVID-19
We will follow University and local guidelines and regulations at the time of this event. Individual visitors still bear responsibility for adhering to guidelines and protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Please review Penn State's guidelines.
What happens after I register for a workshop or conference?
A message including your registration confirmation number and a link to the workshop or conference description will be sent to the email address you provided. The workshop or conference description will provide additional information.
How long are workshops and conferences?
Every workshop and conference is different. You can find the length of a workshop or conference by viewing the workshop or conference description.
What materials will I need to bring to a workshop or conference?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn about any materials you need to bring to a workshop or conference.
How should I dress for a workshop or conference?
If particular attire is recommended, dress code information will be found in the workshop or conference description.
Where will the workshop or conference take place?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn where a workshop or conference will take place.
When will the workshop or conference take place?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn when a workshop or conference will take place.
Where can I learn about the agenda for a workshop or conference?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn about the agenda for a workshop or conference. Any optional sessions you have selected will appear in your confirmation email and online confirmation page.
What is included with my registration for a workshop or conference?
Please refer to the workshop or conference description to learn more about what is included with your registration for a specific workshop or conference.
If a workshop or conference is at maximum capacity, can I be added to a waitlist?
Some workshops and conferences offer a waitlist option when they are at maximum capacity, and some do not. When the waitlist feature is offered, and a workshop or conference is at maximum capacity, you will be taken to a waitlist form after you click on the registration link. As spots become available, we offer them "first come, first served." If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted using the information you provided.
Are workshops and conferences accessible for people who require special needs or services?
We strive to make our workshops and conferences accessible to everyone. If you require special needs or services, please indicate your audio, visual, or mobile disability during registration. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
How do I register for an event or make a purchase over the phone?
Contact our customer service team at 1-877-345-0691 for assistance over the phone. We are here to help on weekdays between 8:30am - 5pm Eastern Time.
Who do I contact if I still have questions about the event?
Contact our customer service team online or by phone at 1-877-345-0691. We are here to help on weekdays between 8:30am - 5pm Eastern Time.
