Prepare to explore what’s next at The 37th Annual National Service-Learning Conference®—a dynamic gathering of educators, students, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers from across the globe. Hosted in vibrant Saint Paul, Minnesota, this year’s conference centers on the theme: Rising Together: The Future of Leadership—a bold call to action that celebrates the collective power of youth and adults working side by side to build a better world.
Now in its 37th year, The National Service-Learning Conference® is evolving to meet this moment—and the next. What began as a gathering to champion service-learning as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and community impact has grown into a dynamic platform for amplifying youth voice, cultivating leadership, and empowering young people as changemakers.
Service-learning remains at the heart of this experience—but now it stands shoulder to shoulder with two essential pillars: youth leadership and youth voice. The result is a renewed conference experience that reflects what young people need most: opportunities to be heard, to lead, and to create lasting impact. When young people are trusted with leadership, their ideas, energy, and lived experiences have the power to spark real, transformative change—in schools, communities, and beyond. This conference uplifts youth not just as participants, but as equal partners and visionaries shaping a more just and equitable future.
Every keynote, workshop, and hands-on learning opportunity will recognize the courage, creativity, and commitment it takes to lead with purpose and drive real change. Whether you’re deepening your service-learning practice, championing youth-led initiatives, seeking fresh ideas to empower the next generation, or wanting to positively impact your community, you’ll leave #SLC26 equipped with the tools, strategies, and community to take action.
This is more than a conference—it’s a movement. One rooted in service, powered by youth, and elevated by leadership.
The National Service-Learning Conference®
The National Service-Learning Conference®
"As a first-time attendee, I found the conference to be fantastic. The breakout sessions and workshops were incredibly insightful, many packed with valuable resources."
-2025 Conference Attendee
“The conference showed me that I'm not alone in the work I'm doing, although it can feel that way as the sole person at my school focused on this. It also taught me how accessible service-learning can be when done well."
-2025 Conference Attendee
The National Service-Learning Conference®
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. These interactive, engaged learning sessions 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.
Lightning talks are fast, intimate, small group sessions – think of them as the professional speed dating rounds of the conference! In 20-minute sessions, presenters share their ideas, projects, and findings with participants, presenting for 10 minutes and allowing for 10 minutes of interaction and conversation. After the 20 minutes are up, participants move tables for two more rounds, giving participants the chance to hear from and interact with up to three different presenters per day.
The Student Showcase highlights high-quality service-learning from across the country, presented by student leaders. Participants will hear how students investigated community needs, planned and prepared, took action, reflected, and demonstrated their work and its impact!
Be part of a special event honoring individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to service and learning in their communities. From innovative projects addressing local challenges to remarkable student achievements, this ceremony showcases the transformative power of service-learning initiatives nationwide. Join us as we recognize and applaud the passion, creativity, and commitment of those making a difference through service.
Each year, the Conference celebrates service with a Day of Service, joining with local partners to give back to the local community. 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.
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.
Throughout the conference there will be ample opportunity for attendees to come together and meet people from around the world.
Calling all Youth! Don’t miss the evening fun in the youth room! A space designed by and for youth!
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