Kolegium Europejskie Students at LiGHT for Young 2026 in Kraków – Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders!

How can young people shape their future, develop leadership skills, and discover their own path to success? These were some of the key questions explored by students from Kolegium Europejskie International High School in Kraków, who attended the inspiring LiGHT for Young 2026 conference on October 20, 2026, at the CKF_13 Conference Centre in Kraków.

The event brought together young people aged 15-19, offering them a unique opportunity to meet influential figures from the worlds of science, business, leadership, and technology. It was a day filled with inspiring discussions, valuable insights, and fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation.

LiGHT for Young Kraków – Connecting Students with Inspiring Leaders

The LiGHT for Young conference, organised as part of The LiGHT Summit initiative, aims to inspire young people to make informed decisions about their future, develop essential leadership skills, and approach new challenges with confidence.

Throughout the event, our students explored a broader definition of success – one that goes beyond academic achievements and professional ambitions.

Discussions focused on personal values, resilience, responsibility, meaningful relationships, and maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.

At Kolegium Europejskie, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. Events such as LiGHT for Young give our students the opportunity to connect academic knowledge with real-world experiences and learn directly from people who have achieved extraordinary things.

Marek Kamiński, Professor Marcin Matczak and Garry Ridge – Lessons from Extraordinary Leaders

One of the highlights of the conference was an inspiring session with Marek Kamiński, the renowned Polish polar explorer, traveller, and entrepreneur.

Through his remarkable experiences, he demonstrated the importance of perseverance, determination, and resilience when pursuing ambitious goals. His message encouraged young people to believe in their abilities and remain committed to their dreams, even when faced with difficulties.

Another thought-provoking session featured Professor Marcin Matczak, a respected Polish lawyer, academic, and public commentator.

He encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of critical thinking, personal values, authority, and the challenges of navigating today’s rapidly changing world.

Students also had the opportunity to meet Garry Ridge, the former CEO of WD-40 Company and an internationally recognised business leader.

His leadership philosophy highlighted the importance of trust, positive relationships, continuous learning, and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth.

For our students, the experience was particularly memorable, as they had the chance to speak with Garry Ridge personally, take photographs with him, and receive books and motivational gifts.

These encounters offered a valuable reminder that true leadership is not simply about achieving results, but also about inspiring, supporting, and empowering others.

Cybersecurity and Future Skills – Preparing Students for a Digital World

The conference also addressed one of the most important challenges facing today’s generation: digital safety.

During a session led by Tomasz Wilczyński and Aleksander Ludynia from Mission: Cyber Security, participants explored the growing importance of cybersecurity and responsible technology use.

The experts explained how human error contributes to cyberattacks and why digital awareness, critical thinking, and recognising online threats are essential skills in today’s interconnected world.

One particularly striking message was that approximately 8 out of 10 cyberattacks involve human mistakes, emphasising the importance of responsible online behaviour.

For students growing up in an increasingly digital society, this session provided practical knowledge that can be applied both in their everyday lives and in their future academic and professional careers.

International High School in Kraków – Education Beyond the Classroom

At Kolegium Europejskie International High School in Kraków, we believe that modern education should combine academic excellence with the development of practical skills, global awareness, and personal responsibility.

Our educational approach encourages students to become independent thinkers, confident communicators, and open-minded individuals who are ready to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

As an international high school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) alongside a Polish Matura pathway, Kolegium Europejskie provides students with different opportunities to pursue their academic ambitions and prepare for higher education.

We place particular emphasis on developing:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills – encouraging students to question, analyse, and explore different perspectives.
• Leadership and personal responsibility – inspiring young people to take initiative and make informed decisions.
• Communication and international awareness – preparing students to collaborate in diverse environments.
• Digital literacy and technological awareness – helping students navigate the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.
• Confidence and independence – supporting students as they discover their interests, talents, and future goals.

Participation in conferences such as LiGHT for Young is an important part of this educational philosophy.

By meeting experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and inspirational leaders, our students gain valuable insights into the world beyond school and develop a deeper understanding of the possibilities ahead of them.

Inspiring the Next Generation – The Future Starts Today!

The LiGHT for Young 2026 conference was much more than an opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers.

It was a chance for our students to broaden their horizons, reflect on their ambitions, discover new perspectives, and gain motivation for the future.

We returned from the event with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and an even stronger belief in the importance of creating opportunities for young people to learn from exceptional individuals.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to The LiGHT Summit organisers and the Department of Education and Educational Projects of the City of Kraków for creating such a valuable space for learning, inspiration, and personal development.

We are proud of our students for their curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to embrace new experiences.

Because the future belongs to those who have the courage to shape it today!

Discover Kolegium Europejskie International High School in Kraków!

Are you looking for an international high school in Kraków that combines academic excellence, international educational opportunities, and a strong focus on personal development?

Discover Kolegium Europejskie – a school where students are encouraged to think independently, explore their potential, and prepare for a successful future.

Kolegium Europejskie – International High School in Kraków

📍 Ślusarska 9, Kraków, Poland
Learn more!: https://kolegiumeuropejskie.com/contact-us/