AscendRural Symposium
August 25 - 26

REGISTER


MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025

4:00 p.m. Doors Open

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Volunteer First Responders Reverse Pitch Event


TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025

7:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks

9 a.m. Rural Youth Well-being: Data exists; what are we doing with it to improve lives?

  • Despite the growing availability of data on rural youth—spanning education, mental health, employment, and access to services, the gap between data and actionable change remains significant. This panel will explore how existing data is (or isn’t) being leveraged to drive policies, programs, and investments that meaningfully improve the lives of young people in rural communities.

    Panelists:

10 a.m. From Innovation to Impact; Scaling Tech Solutions for Rural Youth Resilience

  • In 2024, AscendRural launched its first national Challenge in partnership with ScaleHealth, focused on identifying and piloting innovative technologies that support youth resilience in rural communities. The Challenge drew over 50 startup applicants from across the country, resulting in the selection of two high-impact technologies: Supportiv, a peer-to-peer mental health platform, and PsycheCare, a virtual behavioral health solution for caregivers.

    This panel will explore what made these technologies stand out, how they were implemented alongside rural partners, and what insights emerged from deploying tech-driven solutions in resource-constrained settings. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the role that strategic partnerships, community context, and iterative learning play in translating promising innovations into real-world impact for rural youth.

    Panelists:

10:45 a.m. Break

11 a.m. What Community Partners Can Teach Us About Piloting Technologies to Support Youth Resilience

  • Five rural community organizations participated in AscendRural’s youth resilience pilots that launched in March 2025 and concluded at the end of June 2025. Community partners had the option to select and test one or both technologies, Supportiv and PsycheCare, that were selected from a national challenge. These pilots weren’t just about testing tools—they were about activating local leadership, tailoring solutions to community context, and listening to the voices of rural youth.

    In this dynamic panel, leaders from Clara’s House, Selander Coaching, Smiles for Jake, The Shop, and YMCA will share how they engaged their communities, what they learned during implementation, and why rural communities are uniquely positioned to pioneer innovative approaches for youth well-being. Panelists will also reflect on what’s next for sustaining and scaling impact in their regions.

    Panelists:

1 p.m. AscendRural Youth Resilience Pilot Findings

12 p.m. Lunch

  • What happens when rural communities lead the way in testing innovative approaches to youth well-being? In this session, AscendRural will share key findings and insights from its 2025 Youth Resilience Pilots, a first-of-its-kind initiative that partnered with rural organizations to deploy and evaluate emerging technologies designed to support youth mental health and resilience.

    Drawing from on-the-ground data and community feedback, this session will explore what worked, what was challenging, and how these lessons are shaping the future of rural innovation. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how rural communities can serve as powerful proving grounds for scalable, tech-enabled solutions—and what it takes to move from pilot to sustained impact.

    Speaker:

    • Dr. Jessica Lake, AscendRural

1:50 p.m. Why Connectivity Matters for Education and Health in Rural Communities

  • Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury—it's a lifeline. In rural communities across the country, gaps in broadband connectivity continue to limit access to quality education, timely healthcare, and opportunities for youth and families to thrive.

    This panel will explore the critical role of digital infrastructure in supporting the well-being and future of rural communities. Experts and community leaders will discuss how the digital divide impacts learning, telehealth access, and youth development—and share strategies for closing these gaps through cross-sector partnerships, policy innovation, and community-driven solutions.

    Join us for a conversation that highlights both the urgency and the opportunity to invest in connectivity as a foundation for equity, resilience, and long-term growth in rural America.

    Panelists:

2:50 p.m. Break

3:00 p.m. AscendRural Upcoming Pilot Spotlight: Connectivity

  • As part of its ongoing efforts to advance rural innovation, AscendRural is piloting two connectivity programs focused on closing digital gaps and expanding access to critical services.

    This panel will spotlight active pilots underway in Central Minnesota to connect rural communities to internet services to support better access to education, healthcare and occupational opportunities. Community leaders and pilot partners will share real-time insights, and the infrastructure and partnerships required to sustain long-term impact.

    Panelists:

4:00 p.m. AscendRural Announcement

4:15 p.m. Closing Remarks

Resources

Youth Resilience Pilot Findings Report

Volunteer First Responders Reverse Pitch Event Speakers

  • Jen Elleraas

    Assistant Chief, Garrison Fire and Rescue

    Jen Elleraas began her fire service career in 2019. Rising quickly from firefighter to Training Captain and now Assistant Chief, she is also a certified EMT. Recognized as the 2024 MSFCA Officer of the Year, Jen is known for strong leadership, dedication to training, and commitment to operational excellence. She helped organize the Region 5 Women’s Expo and is now organizing the statewide Women Explore Fire Day in Minnesota on May  2,  2026.

  • Marion Larson

    Central MN EMS Region Coordinator

    Marion Larson has served as an EMS Coordinator for 13 years, dedicated to enhancing emergency services across 11 counties through collaboration with pre-hospital and public safety departments. In this role, she supports vital training initiatives, fosters cross-disciplinary communication, and provides crucial assistance to the Critical Incident Stress Management Team. With 25 years of experience as an EMT and prior service as a Police Reserve Officer, Marion brings a comprehensive understanding of integrated emergency response.

  • Amy Piekarski

    Resource Development Administrator, Sourcewell

    Amy Piekarski is a Resource Development Administrator at Sourcewell. She has a background in government relations, including new program development, partnerships, and operations. Currently, Amy's focus is on partnering with public safety, including law enforcement, fire departments, first response teams, and municipal and tribal ambulance services in central Minnesota. She works closely with these groups to understand their equipment and training needs. She also facilitates Networks for Law Enforcement, Dispatchers, School Resource Officers (SROs), and Emergency Managers to invest in relationships and provide just-in-time technical assistance.

Symposium Speakers