Call for Proposals

Proposals are due by 5:00 pm May 1, 2014


As the College of Charleston and NAHSA are planning their first annual diversity conference, we are inviting proposals for presentations that highlight the theme:

Building Partnerships to Support Youth of Promise

Many children have been labeled as “at-risk” of academic failure. With such a label, emphasis has been on the possibility of failure, not on the promise these children possess. The goal of this conference is multifaceted, highlighting:

  • research-based pedagogy that helps children reach their academic potential
  • teachers, K-12 schools, school districts, and/or institutions of higher learning and partnerships that have demonstrated a successful track record with underrepresented groups.
  • policies that support youth of promise and help meet the needs of all children
  • civil rights for children
  • the need for a diverse faculty at K-12 and higher learning institutions

Concurrent sessions will be divided into three strands that relate to the overall conference theme:

Strand 1 – Civil Rights for Children

Access to quality education is among the most pressing Civil Rights issues facing today’s children. In recent years, this phrase has been uttered or implied by many activists, politicians, and education professionals.  Proposals in this strand will provide historical context; address the implications of race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and other forms of diversity; or describe efforts to advocate for children’s civil rights, particularly in the area of education.

Strand 2 – Engaging Minds

It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a holistic approach to engage a mind. Academics, family and community involvement, social services and supports, and more are all important for developing youth of promise.  Proposals in this strand will highlight pedagogical strategies, programs, and partnerships that have been successful in meeting the needs of youth.

Strand 3 – Policies to Support Youth of Promise

The term policy is defined as a course or principle of action that has been adopted or proposed. Policies tend to reveal intentions and priorities, which then set the tone for the actions that follow.  Proposals in this strand will highlight local, state, or federal policies that impact youth and/or youth-serving programs.

Proposal Format

Submit the online Call for Proposal form below.  This form requires presenter information, including a 50 word maximum biography.  Presenters must identify the strand they are addressing: Strand 1 – Civil Rights for Children, Strand 2 – Engaging Minds, or Strand 3 – Policies to Support Youth of Promise.

In addition, you will be asked to submit the following:

  • 15 word maximum title that accurately reflects the focus of the session.
  • 35-50 word abstract that will be used to describe the session in  the conference program.
  • 250-400 word session description that includes the goal(s) and content of the proposed session.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria:

  • Reflects the conference theme, Building Partnerships to Support Youth of Promise.
  • Based on current research and literature.
  • Potential for high-quality session that is informative, engaging, and interactive.
  • Benefit and relevance to work of session participants.

Complete the 2014 Diversity Conference Call for Proposal Form below or open it in a new window.

The College of Charleston and National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni 2014 Diversity Conference - October 11-12, 2014 on the College of Charleston Campus in Charleston, SC 29401

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