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!
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!
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
Keynote Speaker: Von Washington Jr. serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Kalamazoo Promise, where he leads with vision and purpose to maximize the transformative power of this groundbreaking scholarship program, deepening its roots in the Kalamazoo community and strengthening the city and region it was built to serve. Von also shares his insights with Promise communities across the country, helping shape the next generation of education innovators. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Colorado University and a Master of Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University and is the proud father of two accomplished adult children and adoring grandfather of two spirited granddaughters.
Afternoon Student Advocacy Panel: Julie Rogers, Michigan State Representative; Dr. Mia Murphy serves as the Chief Policy Officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU); Fred Schaible, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, Western Michigan University.
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.
PLATINUM – $2,500
● 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
● Optional: Send 275 materials and/or small promo items for the conference bags. All materials must be sent to WMU by October 5, 2026.
GOLD – $2000
● 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
● Optional: Send 275 materials and/or small promo items for the conference bags. All materials must be sent to WMU by October 5, 2026.
HIGHER EDUCATION ELEVATION – $1250
● 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 codes, 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 275 materials and/or small promo items for the conference bags. All materials must be sent to WMU by October 5, 2026.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES – Varies
● High Education Empowerment – $500
● Vendor Table + 1 FREE Registration (includes breakfast and lunch) – $275
● Flyers for Conference Attendee Bag – $75
● Promo Items for Conference Attendee Bag – FREE