2026 Conference

Thursday, October 22, 2026

The 2026 Michigan Pre-College and Youth Outreach 18th Annual Conference will be taking place in-person on October 22, 2026 at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI!

Register Today!

Join us for PCC 2026

The 2026 conference will take place at Western Michigan University. The Wednesday evening before the conference, the committee will host an Evening Glow Reception, a free event for all conference attendees.

Evening Glow Reception: Relax, connect, and recharge with statewide colleagues over appetizers, music, and meaningful conversation at the beautiful WMU Student Center before the conference. Included with Conference Registration.

When: Wednesday, October 21 | 6:00–8:00 PM

Where: WMU Student Center, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

 

Main Conference: The conference Steering Committee comprises 13 different educational institutions and organizations around the state of Michigan, with Western Michigan University serving as this year’s host. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 AM with welcome remarks. The first session of speakers will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by the Keynote Speaker at 10:00 AM. At the conference, the check-in desk will open at 8:00 AM and remain open throughout the event for any assistance or queries you may have.

When: Thursday, October 22 | All-day

Where: WMU Student Center

Register for the Conference

Call for Proposals

The Call for Proposals for the conference is open. The deadline for submitting a proposal is Friday, May 29.

Information for the Tracks accepted at the conference can be found on the submission page. You will be expected to choose from one of the following tracks to submit your proposal:

  • Today’s Technology – Approaches for understanding and using artificial intelligence and promoting digital literacy. 
  • Global Community & Connections – Building systems grounded in humanity and dignity that encourage empathy and awareness.
  • Why Highschool is Not Enough – Initiatives that change the way we look at higher education and communicate the joy of lifelong learning 
  • Mindful Wellness – Approaches to mental health awareness and self-care for professionals and participants.
  • Beyond Academics – Strategies for bringing interpersonal skills, leadership, executive function, work experience, and more into a program framework.
Submit a Proposal today!

About the Theme

This year’s theme, “Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow: From Aspiration to Achievement.” In a world where talent knows no bounds, it is our responsibility to nurture, uplift, and create pathways for success. This year’s conference is dedicated to inspiring today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders. Come learn ways to help each student’s aspiration to become achievements. Join us as we explore how access, advocacy, and action can transform lives. Through dynamic discussions, interactive workshops, and powerful storytelling, we will equip individuals with the tools and confidence to shape their futures. Together, we can learn how to challenge each student to aspire and achieve.

Make your commitment to enhancing access to higher education  well-known.  We invite you to sponsor this year’s conference.  We will host over  250 leaders from various higher education and community institutions across the state of Michigan and the nation. To request an invoice to pay for sponsorship, please email Jessica Bilodeau to have an invoice generated for you.
  • Verbal acknowledgment –verbal thank you before the Welcome & Keynote
  • Marketing materials – logo on the conference website, main conference presentation, thank you postcard in conference bags, and emails to attendees
  • FREE Full-page AD in conference roaming slide deck
  • FREE Registrations: six (6) regular, includes breakfast and lunch
  • 1 Vendor Table: Table and 2 chairs
  • Evening Glow (social event prior to the conference) table tents around room
  • Optional: Send 300 materials and/or small promo items for the conference bags. All materials must be sent to designated address by September 1, 2025
  • Verbal acknowledgment –verbal thank you before the Welcome & Keynote
  • Marketing materials – logo on the conference website, main conference presentation, and emails to attendees
  • FREE Full-page AD in conference roaming slide deck
  • FREE Registrations: four (4) regular, includes breakfast and lunch
  • 1 Vendor Table: Table and 2 chairs
  • Evening Glow (social event prior to the conference) table tents around room
  • Optional: Send 300 materials and/or small promo items for the conference bags. All materials must be sent to designated address by September 1, 2025
  • Vendor Table + 1 FREE Registration (includes breakfast and lunch)
  • Verbal acknowledgment –verbal thank you before the Keynote
  • Marketing materials – logo on the conference website, main conference presentation, and emails to attendees
  • FREE Full-page AD in conference roaming slide deck
  • FREE Registrations: four (4) regular + two (2) student registration, includes breakfast and lunch
  • 1 Vendor Table: Table and 2 chairs
  • Evening Glow (social event prior to the conference) table tents around room
  • Optional: Send 300 materials and/or small promo items for the conference bags. All materials must be sent to designated address by September 1, 2025
  • Vendor Table + 2 FREE Registrations (includes breakfast and lunch)
  • Flyers for Conference Attendee Bag and/or Promo Items for Sponsors in Attendee Bag (All materials must be sent to designated address by September 1, 2025)
  • Verbal acknowledgment –verbal thank you before the Keynote
  • Marketing materials – logo on the conference website, main conference presentation, and emails to attendees
  • FREE Full-page AD in conference roaming slide deck
  • Evening Glow (social event prior to the conference) table tents around room
  • Optional: Send 275 materials and/or small promo items for the conference bags. All materials must be sent to designated address by September 1, 2025
  • Flyers for Conference Attendee Bag – $75
  • Promo Items for Sponsors in Attendee Bag – FREE (All materials must be sent to designated address by September 30, 2025)
  • Evening Glow Main Sponsor – $5,000