Get Involved

at the National Service-Learning Conference®

The National Service-Learning Conference is the largest gathering of youth, educators, policymakers and more who are dedicated to improving education, strengthening communities, and building youth leadership with service-learning.

We invite you to share your stories, successes, and lessons learned at the Conference! Expand each section below to apply and check out our additional options to get involved at the Conference below!

Check out our How to Get Involved video for more information!

Present a Workshop

Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing professional development opportunities for youth and adults alike. Workshops are designed towards teaching and learning in an interactive environment. A workshop presentation is 75 minutes long.

Proposals will be assessed on content quality, creativity of delivery, and audience participation. We strongly encourage proposals from young people. Workshops that involve audience interaction are also strongly encouraged. Presenters may apply for a workshop, lightning talk and a Showcase.

Please be sure to review our registration fees if your proposal is accepted!

Conference Tracks When you submit your workshop application, you will have the opportunity to apply to present your session within one of our four conference tracks. Each track is aligned with this year’s theme, “Intention, Equity, and Impact”, underscoring the importance of deliberate actions, inclusive practices, and meaningful outcomes in service-learning. The four tracks you can apply for include:

Empowering Youth through Service-Learning and Leadership
- Sessions will explore successful models of youth voice and leadership; ways to address social issues and advocate for change within communities; effective strategies for designing, planning, and executing impactful service-learning experiences; creative and new methods for engaging peers and communities in service-learning; strategies for amplifying impact.
Innovative Pedagogy and Community Partnerships in Service-Learning
- Sessions will explore cutting-edge methods and curricular designs that integrate service-learning into academic courses; best practices and case studies that have enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes; the role of technology and digital tools; effective strategies for building and maintaining partnerships between institutions and community organizations; successful models of collaboration that address community needs.
Equity, Access, and Global Perspectives in Service-Learning
- Sessions will explore initiatives that ensure all students have access to service-learning opportunities; programs and policies aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in service-learning; the impact of equitable service-learning practices on student outcomes and community development; projects that address global issues and promote cross-cultural understanding; challenges and benefits of implementing service-learning in diverse cultural contexts.
Assessment, Impact, and Professional Development in Service-Learning
- Sessions will explore methodologies and tools for assessing the impact of service-learning; research findings on the outcomes of service-learning initiatives; the use of assessment data to improve and scale programs; strategies for faculty and staff professional development in integrating service-learning into their work; the role of service-learning in career readiness; case studies of successful advocacy efforts that have led to policy changes; strategies for engaging policymakers and stakeholders.

Call for workshop proposals has closed.

Present a Lightning Talk

Think of Lightning Talks as the conference’s equivalent of professional speed dating! In this 75-minute session, presenters are set at a table set for 8 people. Presenters dive into their ideas, projects, and findings for 5-10 minutes, leaving time for participants to interact and ask questions for another 10-15 minutes, totaling 20 minutes per lightning round. After 20 minutes, presenters remain at their table while participants rotate for two more rounds, allowing presenters to engage with up to three different intimate small groups. Presenters can apply to share their Lightning Talk on one or both days of the conference.

Please be sure to review our registration fees if your proposal is accepted!

There are two types of Lightning Talks: Skill/Idea Share and Program/Product Preview.

A Skill/Idea Share delves deep into a topic, offering substantial insights to the small group. Presenters are encouraged to highlight the innovation, direct impact on the organization or community, remarkable results, or significant learnings of their work.

A Program/Product Preview offers presenters the opportunity to showcase products such as curriculum, programs, or services. Please note that Program/Product Previews are subject to additional charges: $150 for one day and $300 for both days.

Proposals will be assessed on content quality, target audiences (broader is better this year), and creativity of delivery. We strongly encourage proposals from young people. The Review Committee will be looking for a slate that balances the variety of audiences and topics given the space and time available. More guidelines on creating a successful talk will be provided if selected.

Exhibitors can choose to add a Program/Product Preview Lightning Talk when registering to exhibit. Please do not complete this application.

Call for lightning talk proposals has closed, however exhibitors can still apply to present a lightning talk – see the exhibitor section below.

Present a Student Showcase

Are you a young changemaker with a project that’s making waves in your community? Want to showcase your work and inspire others at the conference? Look no further than the Student Showcase! The Student Showcase provides the perfect platform to share your powerful message. It’s your chance to shine a spotlight on your high-quality project and connect with like-minded peers from across the country and around the world.

Share the story behind your project—how you implemented it, how it aligns with curricular goals, and what makes it so effective. Whether you’re tackling environmental issues, advocating for social justice, or sparking innovation in your school, the Student Showcase is your opportunity to showcase the incredible impact you’re making and inspire others to join you in creating positive change.
Please be sure to review our registration fees if your proposal is accepted!

Student Showcase proposals are due by March 14, 2025!

APPLY TO PRESENT A STUDENT SHOWCASE HERE.

Sponsor

We invite you to join us on our journey to change the world with young people, their schools, and communities by sponsoring the National Service-Learning Conference. NYLC is pleased to partner with businesses and organizations, large or small, to create a sponsorship tailored to meet your needs. Show your support for youth leadership, student voice, service & learning in schools and communities across the country and around the world. Explore your sponsorship opportunities now and contact us below to get started!

Exhibit

By highlighting your organization as a conference exhibitor, you position yourself at the forefront of innovation, demonstrating your commitment to driving positive change and empowering communities. Whether it’s through groundbreaking programs, cutting-edge technologies, impactful services, or transformative events, your organization has the opportunity to inspire and inform attendees, forging meaningful connections and fostering collaboration that our conference participants are looking for.

Your exhibit includes: one full conference registration; a 6′ tabletop; access to the Exhibitor Passport to encourage conference attendees to engage with our exhibitors; access to hundreds of adults and young people; and the additional option to purchase an advertisement in The Leader, our monthly newsletter.

New this year: exhibitors can apply to present a lightning talk for a discounted rate on one or both days of the conference ($75 for one day, $150 for both days). Lightning talks are based on availability so apply below early if you are interested in accessing this option!

Exhibitor applications are due by March 14, 2025!

Volunteer

We’re excited to extend an invitation to participate as a volunteer. Join our dynamic team and be a crucial part of making the conference a success! Volunteers will be assigned to work registration on Wednesday, Thursday, and/or Friday. Volunteers will help check guests in, find their name badges and other conference gear, answer questions, and more. Volunteer shifts are 4 hours long. We will provide a tshirt and snacks, and a 50% off discount code to register to attend the remainder of the conference!*

*You must volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours to receive the discount code.

Become an Affiliate

Calling all Organizations to become a Conference Affiliate! Affiliates distribute Conference information with their networks and staff; encourage participation; and, promote the Conference through social media, newsletters, and their website. Sample content will be provided.

In return, you will be listed as an Affiliate on the Conference homepage– gaining exposure to an international audience of educators, state and federal officials, youth leaders, program coordinators, policy-makers, and community-based organizations involved in the service-learning movement. Affiliates are required to share conference related communications a minimum of three times throughout the year.

Affiliate applications are due by January 15, 2025!

“Inspiring, insightful, and empowering – the perfect mix to truly be practical and turn lessons and discussions about service-learning into action!”

-2024 Conference attendee

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Professional Development, Events, & Workshops