2026 SLCE Conference Proposal Submission Form

Transform Mid-Atlantic (TMA) and the SLCE Conference Planning Committee invites practitioners, scholars, community partners, and students to submit proposals for the 2026 Service-Learning & Civic Engagement (SLCE) Conference. This year's conference will be hosted by TMA Member Campus, American University in Washington D.C. on Saturday, October, 17th, 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Proposals are due by 11:59pm on Monday, June 8th, 2026. All applicants will be notified of decisions in July. Submissions will be reviewed by members of the SLCE Conference Planning Committee, organized into teams to ensure a thorough and thoughtful review process.

This annual gathering brings together change-makers across our region to explore innovative approaches to community engagement, partnership-building, and civic learning in higher education. We welcome dynamic and diverse proposals that align with the mission and vision of TMA and the SLCE Conference, particularly those addressing:

Community-Engaged Scholarship
Community Partnership
Direct Service/Service-Learning Pedagogy

Session formats include

Roundtables/Facilitated Discussions (70 min)
- Lead a participatory conversation around a focused topic, question, or challenge relevant to service-learning and civic engagement. Facilitators briefly frame the topic and guide attendees through structured dialogue that draws on the knowledge and experience of everyone in the room. Each proposal should include an interactive component. Describe how you plan to maximize audience participation.

Workshops (70 min)
- Lead a hands-on, skill-building session designed to equip participants with practical tools, strategies, or frameworks relevant to service-learning and civic engagement. Facilitators guide attendees through structured activities and applied learning experiences. Each proposal should include an interactive component. Describe how you plan to maximize audience participation and ensure participants leave with actionable takeaways.

Panels (70 min)
- Bring together multiple voices to explore a shared topic, theme, or challenge relevant to service-learning and civic engagement. Panelists offer brief perspectives that spark meaningful dialogue among presenters and attendees alike. Proposals should outline the focus of the panel and how the conversation will be structured. Include time for audience engagement and describe how you plan to maximize participation beyond Q&A.

Posters (Displayed all day with a dedicated viewing block)
- Share your work, research, or community partnership through a visual display that invites informal conversation and connection. Posters are an excellent format for highlighting projects in progress, student work, or community-engaged scholarship. Presenters should be available during the dedicated viewing block to engage attendees in dialogue. Describe how your poster will communicate your work clearly and spark meaningful exchange.

Name of Proposer*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Name of Presenter (if different from Proposer)

First NameLast Name

Presenter's Position / Title*

Presenter's Institution / Organization*

If you have an academic or organizational affiliation, please indicate that. If none, please write "none" or "N/A"

If you are submitting a proposal on behalf of co-authors or a group of presenters, please list the full names, email addresses, positions, and institutions/organizations of each presenter for this proposal below:

Which conference theme does your submission most align with? Please select one: (You are welcome to submit multiple proposals.)*

Which format best describes your submission? Please select one: (For any additional proposals, please submit a separate form.)*

What is your Target Audience? (Please select one. )*

Other: please describe

What is the title of your proposal submission?*

Please add a 250 word (or less) abstract proposal below: *

If you are proposing a workshop, discussion, or lecture, please briefly outline between 2 and 5 intended learning outcomes or goals.

Please provide a brief bio (3–5 sentences) for each presenter. Include relevant background, current role, and experience related to the proposed session. These may be used in the conference program.*

Please provide presenter(s) photo. Optional

If your proposal is successful, your photo may be used for both printed and digital promotion of the conference. Your photo can be updated up to one month prior to event.

What accommodations, resources, or technology will you need to successfully host your session? The SLCE committee will do its best to accommodate needs based on the spaces available.

SLCE 2026 Conference