The University of Mary Washington will host Virginia Power Shift, a statewide student conference on environmental, social, economic and educational justice Friday, Feb. 13 to Sunday, Feb. 15. The student-organized conference features 38 programs, including workshops, panels and training sessions to build student action on pressing issues facing college campuses and communities. More than 300 students expect to attend. “Virginia Power Shift is about empowerment and giving the students of our state the education, tools and motivation that they need to take action,” said Zakaria Kronemer, a UMW senior and member of the Virginia Power Shift planning committee. This year will be the first year that Mary Washington has hosted the conference, which reflects the growing leadership role of UMW students in Virginia activist issues. “Students have been at the forefront of every great social movement within history.” Kronemer said. “I see this conference as a spark for bold action within Virginia– a state that truly needs the progressive voice of the students.” Joni Wilson, director of landscape and grounds at UMW, said the value of the conference in addressing the larger scope of environmental and social issues. “This conference shifts the sustainability focus past just environmental issues,” said Wilson. “All environmental issues have very big social impacts.” For more information and registration, visit http://bit.ly/StudentPower2015.