Call for Proposals and Save the Date: University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS): Democratic Partnerships That Improve Neighborhoods, Schools, and Universities – Oct 26 & 27

Posted by University of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center for Community Partnerships on August 11, 2026

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, October 26 & 27, 2026.

The conference is open to those working, 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, and 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.

Click here to learn more about the event and register.

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.