Emerging Leaders Conference

Emerging Leaders Conference

Saturday, June 21 – Tuesday, June 24

The Office of Academic Access & Leadership Development in collaboration with the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, Inc, invites Missouri youth to participate in the annual Emerging Leaders Conference. This conference is divided into two parts — civic engagement and college access — and gives students an opportunity to build on their leadership skills.

The conference focuses on a range of activities:

  • exploring community issues
  • discussing diverse perspectives
  • engaging in the legislative decision-making process,
  • navigating the college-planning process
Eligibility for Participation
  • Current 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Missouri resident
Transportation
  • Charter bus transportation provided to/from the University of Missouri from three regions: Kansas City, St. Louis, and potentially southeast Missouri (“bootheel”) depending on participation.
  • Students in mid-Missouri area must have their own transportation to/from MU’s campus for the Summer 2025 conference.

Detailed information and logistics for transportation will be provided following acceptance to the program. Students should email academicaccess@missouri.edu with any questions.

Conference Schedule
  • Saturday: Arrival and Check-In
  • Sunday: Team-Building, Legislative Preparation
  • Monday: Mock Legislative Sessions (Jefferson City)
  • Tuesday: College Planning/Preparation, Closing Ceremony, Departure
Application Timeline & Process
  • Application opens mid March | Click here to apply now
    • An e-mail address for a primary guardian must be provided to begin the application
    • Once the student completes their portion of the application, they will trigger an e-mail to the parent(s) or guardian(s) listed in the application to review the application information, sign the included waivers, and submit the application.
    • To nominate a student for the conference: Complete this form.
  • Priority deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 16, applications will continue to be accepted after priority deadline until capacity is filled
  • Acceptance notifications begin on Monday, April 21
  • Signed participation forms due early May

For questions, e-mail academicaccess@missouri.edu