Washington, D.C. | October 23, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Service-Learning Conference® is uniting with the Points of Light Conference; registration opens November 3, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 23, 2025 — Points of Light, in partnership with the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC), today announced a bold step forward for civic leadership. The National Service-Learning Conference® at the Points of Light Conference will bring these two important groups of civic leaders together, June 22–25, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
At a time when volunteering rates are stagnant and trust in institutions is eroding, young people are not waiting to lead—they already are. Uniting these two conferences centers intergenerational leadership as a driver of systemic change, bringing youth leaders, educators, executives, policymakers, and civic innovators together as equals to co-create solutions and strengthen the civic infrastructure that sustains democracy.
“Young people aren’t the leaders of tomorrow—they’re leading now,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president & CEO, Points of Light. “By embedding youth voice at the heart of the Points of Light Conference, we’re modeling the kind of community-centered, intergenerational leadership our world urgently needs.”
“For more than three decades, the National Service-Learning Conference has elevated youth leadership in action,” said Amy Meuers, CEO of the National Youth Leadership Council. “By uniting the National Service-Learning Conference with the Points of Light Conference, we’ll empower young people as agents of social action—driving solutions, shaping policy, and leading alongside executives, educators, and nonprofit innovators. Their lived experience will not only inform but transform strategies for service and volunteering.”
What’s New in 2026
- A unified, global platform. The SLC Gathering at the Points of Light Conference integrates service-learning and volunteer engagement, creating shared space where ideas meet action across generations.
- Youth as co-creators. Youth participants will shape sessions, share case studies, and partner with established leaders—moving beyond tokenism to shared decision-making.
- Expanded access and opportunities. SLC attendees will enjoy the regular NYLC programming, youth showcases, and networking they value—plus access to Points of Light Conference main stage moments, networking events, and select workshops.
- Sector-wide learning. Corporate, government, nonprofit, education, and grassroots leaders will learn from one another while mentoring the next generation, forging long-term collaborations that build sustainable change.
Intergenerational leadership unlocks the creativity, urgency, and wisdom required to solve complex problems. This integration is a catalyst for a new civic engagement that connects generations, strengthens communities, and advances a healthier democracy.
Dates, Registration & Rates
- Conference Dates: June 22–25, 2026
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Registration Opens: November 3, 2025
- Youth/Young Adult Rate: A special registration rate is available for participants 24 and younger.
- Register: pointsoflight.org/conference
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a global nonprofit that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Through a network of affiliates and partners across sectors, Points of Light advances the power of people to tackle society’s greatest challenges. Learn more at www.pointsoflight.org.
About the National Youth Leadership Council
National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) is a national leader in advancing youth as powerful agents of social change. For more than 40 years, NYLC has equipped young people, educators, and communities with the tools to co-create equitable, meaningful service experiences that strengthen civic engagement and academic learning. Learn more at www.nylc.org.
Media Contact:
Kate Kerley, senior director, Brand & Marketing at [email protected].
One Response
I was fortunate to work with Jim Keilsmeyer in Minnesota to help create NYLC. I was able to travel thru MN school districts and train principals and staff to add Service Learning programs to enhance their curriculums. I was appointed also by the governor of MN. to serve on his commitee to advance Service Learning across the state.