for the National Service-Learning Conference®
With a variety of sessions focused on everything from empowering young people to innovative pedagogy, there is something for everyone at #SLC25! Explore our full workshop agenda below!
Join Opening Minds through Art (OMA) onsite for an interactive art-making session. Attendees will partner with community members to co-create art, celebrating the power of intergenerational connection and creative expression. After a brief introduction to OMA, participants will enjoy a collaborative art activity, followed by a group debrief and reflection. Art from this session will be displayed throughout the conference, serving as a beautiful reminder of the connections made.
The OMA Onsite project option is now full! We will meet promptly at 1:00 PM in the RiverCentre Ballroom for opening Day of Service remarks.
OMA is an intergenerational art program for people with dementia based at Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University (OH). OMA’s mission is to build bridges across age and cognitive barriers, using art to provide people with dementia opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement and provide volunteers with passion and skills to connect across generations.
Go offsite to volunteer with The Arc Greater Twin Cities at one of their three Twin Cities Value Village Thrift Store/Donation locations. This hands-on service opportunity will support The Arc’s mission to advocate for and promote inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Volunteers assist with tasks like sorting donations, organizing merchandise, and creating inviting displays, helping to maintain a welcoming shopping environment.
Space is limited so register early to secure your spot!
We will meet promptly at 1:00 PM in the RiverCentre Ballroom for opening Day of Service remarks. Buses will depart promptly from the RiverCentre at 1:20 PM – they will be unable to wait for latecomers so be sure to arrive early!
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, actively supporting them and their families in a lifetime of full inclusion and participation in their communities. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families trust Advocates at The Arc for help in addressing issues that affect their lives. Advocates provide personalized information, navigation, and referrals on disability issues and systems throughout the lifespan. The Arc engages people in public policy advocacy to protect and promote the human rights of people with disabilities.
How to Navigate the Conference and Make the Most of Your Professional Development Experience
Are you new to the National Service-Learning Conference? Have you attended the conference in the past but need a refresher? Join our on-site orientation to help you maximize your time and learning before the conference. We’ll cover:
Join us for an inspiring Opening Plenary that will energize and empower you to advance service-learning in your community. Celebrate the impact of youth leadership and civic engagement with the presentation of the Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award, honoring outstanding teaching in service-learning. Don’t miss this powerful kickoff to the National Service-Learning Conference, where we’ll ignite new ideas, honor changemakers, and set the stage for transformative action!
Meet Your Emcees
Katherine Nguyen & Ralitsa Hovanessian
Meet your Speakers
Amy Meuers, Katy Dolan, Kaleb Sy, Lori Fowler, Lindsey Seavert
Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.
Enjoy these small group speed rounds! Listen to a presenter as they share their ideas, projects, and findings and encourage discussion.
Enjoy lunch while exploring student showcases as they highlight their service-learning projects, and meet with exhibitors to learn about their exciting ideas, products, and tools for educators.
Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.
Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.
Wrap up an inspiring first day of the National Service-Learning Conference with a powerful Closing Plenary featuring keynote speaker Dr. Peter Levine, a leading voice in civic engagement. Celebrate outstanding leadership in service-learning with the presentation of the Alec Dickson Servant Leader Award, followed by an engaging panel of experts exploring the connections between democracy, service-learning, and brain health. Join us for an insightful and thought-provoking session that will leave you energized and ready to take action!
Meet Your Emcees
Adonai Yidnekachew & Madelyn Qayyum
Meet your Speakers
Amy Meuers, Dr. Jim Kielsmeier, Dr. Sue Root, Dr. Peter Levine, Pam Siebert, Matthew MacWilliams, Sarah Stanlick, Enrique Ochoa, Dom Verwey, & Shei Ascencio
Youth Room Networking Event: Connect, Collaborate, and Create Change (MR1)
Calling all young leaders! The Youth Room Networking Event is your space to connect with peers from across the country who are passionate about making a difference. This isn’t just another networking event, it’s an interactive chance to share your experiences, collaborate on innovative ideas, and get inspired by the incredible work other youth are doing in their communities. Whether you’re working on a climate action project, advocating for social justice, or developing solutions for local issues, you’ll find a supportive environment where your voice matters. We will be having a variety of games hosted by youth, and for youth, to form lasting connections that empower us all to lead the way toward a more just, sustainable world. Come ready to share, learn, and have fun!
Evening Networking Reception: Connect, Collaborate, Inspire (MR2)
Join us for a dynamic evening networking reception where passionate educators, community leaders, and advocates for service-learning come together to share ideas, experiences, and inspiration. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, forge new partnerships, and explore ways to enhance your impact in the world of youth leadership and civic engagement. Whether you’re looking for fresh perspectives or seeking collaboration on future projects, this reception will provide a space for meaningful conversations and connections that can lead to lasting change. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a community that is shaping the future of service-learning!
Enjoy these small group speed rounds! Listen to a presenter as they share their ideas, projects, and findings and encourage discussion.
Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.
Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.
Enjoy your lunch and then explore student showcases as they highlight their service-learning projects, and meet with exhibitors to learn about their exciting ideas, products, and tools for educators.
Join us for our Deep Dive Sessions, where we’ll explore key topics in greater depth and detail, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage in focused discussions, hands-on activities, and interactive learning experiences. These sessions are designed to provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable takeaways that you can apply to your work and professional development.
Youth Leading the Way: Close out the National Service-Learning Conference with an inspiring Closing Plenary celebrating the power of youth leadership and innovation. Hear from Heman Bekele, TIME Kid of the Year, as he shares his journey of impact and discovery. Join us as we honor outstanding young changemakers with the Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award and dive into Leading the Way: Youth Voices in Action, a dynamic panel featuring youth leaders making a difference across sectors. Finally, our emcees will reflect on the conference, share their gratitude, and reveal exciting details about the 2026 conference. Don’t miss this powerful finale, celebrating the passion, leadership, and future of service-learning!
Meet Your Emcees
Feven Tesfaye & Natalie Chen
Meet your Speakers
Heman Beckele, Chloe Ng, Andrew Reese, Christian Hovard, Amanda Xiong, Saavni Dogra, Katy Dolan, Kaleb Sy
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