Agenda

for the National Service-Learning Conference®

The National Service-Learning Conference® is an event unlike any other – where adults have the opportunity to hear directly from young people as they engage in service work globally.

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!

1:00PM - 5:00PM: Day of Service Onsite Event with OMA!

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.

Space is limited so register early to secure your spot!

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. 

1:00PM - 5:00PM: Day of Service Offsite Event with Arc!

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!

Buses board at 12:45 PM from the Saint Paul RiverCentre and leave promptly at 1:00 PM!

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.

8:00AM - 8:30AM: Newcomers Orientation

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:

  • Preparing for the conference
  • How to get involved and engage with youth at the conference
  • Tips on networking
  • Navigating the exhibit hall, showcase, and lightning talk sessions
  • Determining the best learning opportunities for your professional development needs
  • How to use the conference app to maximize your experience
  • And more!
8:30AM - 9:30AM: Opening Plenary Session

Join us for an unforgettable kickoff at our opening plenary session, where inspiration meets action! Prepare to be captivated by dynamic speakers who will ignite your passion and fuel your drive for change. Discover thought-provoking insights, innovative strategies, and empowering stories that will propel you toward new heights of success and impact. Engage with fellow attendees from around the globe as we embark on a journey of collaboration, learning, and transformation. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect, innovate, and shape the future together. Mark your calendars and secure your spot now for an opening session that promises to spark creativity, ignite change, and leave you ready to conquer the world!

9:45AM - 11:00 AM: Engaged Learning Sessions

Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.

11:15AM - 12:30PM: Lightning Talks

Enjoy these small group speed rounds! Listen to a presenter as they share their ideas, projects, and findings and encourage discussion.

12:30PM - 1:30PM: Lunch & Service-Learning Showcase & Exhibits

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.

1:30PM - 2:45PM: Engaged Learning Sessions

Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.

3:00PM - 4:15PM: Engaged Learning Sessions

Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.

4:30PM - 5:30PM: Day One Closing Gathering

As day one draws to a close, join us for an inspiring and reflective closing plenary session that encapsulates the essence of our shared journey thus far. Gather with fellow attendees to celebrate the day’s accomplishments, insights gained, and connections forged. Our distinguished speakers will offer profound reflections on the day’s themes, highlighting key takeaways and inspiring us to carry forward the momentum into the days ahead.

7:30PM - 8:30PM: Evening Networking Events

Calling all youth!

Embark on an evening of vibrant energy and meaningful connections in the Youth Room! Designed exclusively for young attendees by NYLC Youth Advisory Counil, this dynamic space offers a platform for collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, empowerment, and fun!

Calling all adults!

Join us for an evening of networking excellence! Enjoy refreshments, engaging conversations, and opportunities to exchange business cards and contacts. Don’t miss this chance to broaden your horizons, forge new relationships, and unlock exciting possibilities for growth and success. Come prepared to mingle, learn, and leave inspired!

8:00AM - 9:15AM: Lightning Talks

Enjoy these small group speed rounds! Listen to a presenter as they share their ideas, projects, and findings and encourage discussion.

9:30AM - 10:45AM: Engaged Learning Sessions

Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.

11:00AM - 12:15PM: Engaged Learning Sessions

Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults.

12:15PM - 1:30PM: Lunch & Service-Learning Showcase and Exhibits

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.

1:30PM- 3:30PM: Deep Dive Learning Sessions

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.

3:45PM - 4:30PM: The Final Chapter Closing Plenary

Join us for the culminating moment of our conference journey as we gather for the closing plenary session. In this reflective and empowering session, we’ll look back on the rich experiences, profound insights, and transformative connections shared throughout our time together. Distinguished speakers will offer compelling reflections on the themes explored, sharing their wisdom and perspectives on the path forward.