UACS National Network Conference Fall 2026
Free, In-Person Conference
University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS): Democratic Partnerships that Improve Neighborhoods, Schools, and Universities
DATE:
Monday, October 26th and Tuesday, October 27th, 2026
LOCATION:
Houston Hall, University of Pennsylvania
3417 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
OVERVIEW:
Join us in Philadelphia for “University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS): Democratic Partnerships that Improve Neighborhoods, Schools and Universities,” a free, in-person conference hosted at the University of Pennsylvania.
The conference is open to those creating and developing University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS), including school, union, university, nonprofit, foundation, neighborhood, and government partners. Through interactive panels, facilitated discussions, and breakout sessions, participants will exchange ideas, share promising practices, learn from one another’s experiences, and build connections with colleagues from across the country.
Meals will be provided on Monday and Tuesday. Registration is required. Space is limited.
This bi-annual conference is sponsored by Penn’s Netter Center for Community Partnerships and its University-Assisted Community Schools National Network.
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Monday, October 26th
8:00am - 9:00am | Registration and Light Breakfast
9:00am - 9:30am | Conference Welcome
9:30am - 11:45am | "Realizing the Promise of Community-Engaged Scholarship through University-Assisted Community Schools"
11:45am - 12:45pm | Lunch with Optional Roundtable Discussion Topics
12:45pm - 1:45pm | Plenary: “Understanding the History of Community Schools to Change Education (K-16+) for the Better”
2:00pm - 3:00pm | Breakout Sessions 1
3:15pm - 4:15pm | Breakout Sessions 2
4:30pm - 6:00pm | Reception and Hors d’Oeuvres
Tuesday, October 27th
8:00am - 9:00am | Registration and Light Breakfast
9:00am - 10:15am | Plenary: "Democratic Implementation Research"
10:30am - 11:30am | Breakout Sessions 3
11:45am - 12:45pm | Lunch
1:00pm - 2:15pm | Closing Plenary
2:30pm - 5:30pm | UACS in Action: Site Visits*
*Site visit seating limited. Registration is required for site visits in the designated section of the registration form
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
We invite conference participants to propose and facilitate interactive breakout sessions that foster open dialogue, shared learning, and exchange across a range of UACS topics. Those interested in leading a session may submit a proposal through the designated section of the registration form. Selected sessions will be confirmed in early September.
Expected breakout sessions include: college and career readiness and completion; STEM education; physical and built environment; health and fitness; family and community engagement; democratic implementation research; teacher education and UACS; and more. Breakout session titles and descriptions will be updated on the conference website in early September.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation options, transportation information, and campus maps can be found at this link.
REGISTRATION
Please register for the conference by completing this Registration Form.
Submitting the form confirms your registration for the conference. If you are no longer able to attend after registering, please email Mya Gordon at myag@sas.upenn.edu.
Please reach out to Cory Bowman (bowman@upenn.edu), Naorah Rimkunas (rimkunas@binghamton.edu), and Mya Gordon (myag@sas.upenn.edu) with any questions about the conference.