Welcome to the National Service-Learning Conference!

From Passion to Action

The National Service-Learning Conference® is more than workshops and keynote addresses; it is an extension of the classroom, allowing for the youth and adult attendees to be part of a national movement. Throughout the conference, youth plan programming, emcee plenary sessions, inspire attendees through keynote addresses, and lead workshops for youth and adult peers from around the world. Youth are given the opportunity to create something so spectacular that it changes how adults perceive all young people — as solutions to real problems.

The conference’s multiple-day, concurrent session format offers adults and youth a self-directed, facilitated learning environment with education sessions, discussion groups, and interactive workshops designed specifically for all levels of attendees engaged in service-learning and focused on current and emerging issues, best practices, and the challenges facing us today. Both youth and adults come out of the experience with the tools and resources, ideas and inspiration to return home to improve their practice, their schools, and their communities.

Upcoming Deadlines
  • Student Showcase: TBA
  • Presenter Registration Deadline: TBA
  • Late Registration Deadline: TBA
  • Hotel Group Reservation Deadline: TBA
  • Onsite Registration Begins: TBA
Conference Resources

Thank you to our sponsors!

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

“I enjoyed connecting with others in the service-learning field; this conference provided the space for growth and development from dialogue about our shared challenges.”

-2023 Conference attendee

“This was a great opportunity to learn how service-learning, education, and youth development overlap.”

-2023 Conference attendee

Conference Features

Plenary Sessions are where the conference community comes together for inspiration and learning. Plenary Sessions will feature youth emcees, a local welcome, keynote speakers, entertainment, and more!  From the opening bell to the closing of the final day, Plenary Sessions are designed to motivate, uplift, and inspire you to action.

Workshops are the heart of the conference, providing skill-building for youth and adults alike. The menu of interactive options are designed for a variety of levels and audiences engaged in service-learning. Session topics are selected for breadth and depth, and include service-learning basics, best practices, current and emerging issues, and how to’s. Coaches can help you design a learning plan that fits your needs.

Interact directly with speakers in an intimate small group setting, focused on one essential point. In 20-minute Lightning Talks, speakers will share their ideas with participants, presenting for 10 minutes and allowing 10 minutes for interaction. Then switch to another table two more times for a total of 3 Lightning Talks per session.

The Showcase highlights high-quality service-learning from across the country presented by student leaders, describing their experience. You will hear how they investigated community needs, planned and prepared, took action, reflected, and demonstrated their work and its impact.

Join a Wisdom Circle to help answer questions that advance the field of service-learning. The facilitation team will gather your input on issues including policy, innovation, political polarization, and social justice. A summary report will be published by NYLC following the conference and be made available to all Conference attendees and will guide work on resources and advocacy for youth and community impacts through service-learning.

Each year, the Conference culminates with a Day of Service, joining with local partners to serve and celebrate. This fun and engaging day will bring Conference participants together to serve, opening with a mini learning session on the service topic and closing with a whole-group reflection. Stay tuned for more details.

The Conference is a great place to find valuable services and products to meet your needs. From curricula to technology, you’ll find new ideas from our exhibitors. Visit exhibit booths on April 2-4 or browse the online Vendor Directory throughout the Conference and beyond. Some exhibitors may also be available for Lightning Talk sessions. Be sure to visit them and enter your exhibitor passport by 4 pm on April 4th to win exciting prizes!

Throughout the conference there will be ample opportunity for attendees to come together and meet people from around the world. Don’t miss out on the opening evening reception that will provide a sample of all Nashville has to offer. 

Calling all Youth! Don’t miss the evening fun in the youth room! A space designed by and for youth!

All Children Thrive           Asia Association for Experiential Education           Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation           Ben Franklin Elementary School (Lawrenceville, New Jersey)           Be Strong Families           Civil Air Patrol, USAF           Crown College           Communities in Schools, Michigan           Delaware Afterschool Network           The Ernest E. Kennedy Center           Harlem Children's Zone           The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls Kent State           King County Library           Louisiana ASP           Louisiana Center for Afterschool Learning           Magnified Giving           Massachusetts Service Commission           Metro State University           Minnesota Online High School           My Path           Monticello High School           Orono High School           PEAK Parent Center           PH International           Philadelphia Charters for Excellence           Points of Light Foundation           Renaissance Academy           Rotary International           The Studio School