Student Initiatives
& Conferences
MKN Student Initiatives & conferences are centered around leadership development, career readiness/exploration, mental health, and self-development. Sessions also include keynote speakers and student networking with area colleges and universities.
Empowering Student Projects and Ideas
MKN provides multiple scholarship opportunities for TRIO and GEAR UP scholars within Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
Welcome to our Student Conference page!
We’re absolutely excited to celebrate the incredible spirit of student leadership and the thrilling McNair Hartland Conference with you!
Here, you’ll uncover fantastic opportunities for students to connect, learn, and grow together. Join us as we dive into a world of collaboration and inspiration within our vibrant student community!
Student Conferences
30th Annual MKN McNair Heartland Conference
The McNair Heartland Research Conference offers undergraduates the opportunity to...
-
Present their research in a friendly yet formal academic setting, meet other McNair Scholars, explore opportunities for graduate study, and become eligible for a drawing to win a scholarship.
The conference highlights include individual student research presentations, a graduate recruitment fair, speakers and panel discussions, a pre-conference workshop on writing graduate admissions essays, and opportunities to interact with graduate school faculty and staff.
REGISTRATION IS LIVE!
Spots are limited—secure your place today and be part of a conference that celebrates your achievements and prepares you for the future.
Contact Conference Co-Chairs for questions or concern
Ryan Kirton (rkirton@emporia.edu) and
Monica Martinez (monicamartinez@ku.edu)
***If you need to pay by check, please "Select Pay in Person", you will receive an invoice via email. Please send the check payment by Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, for the MKN McNair Heartland Research Conference..***
***Cancellation Policy - Refunds for conference registration cancellation will be given ONLY when a written cancellation request is submitted to the Conference Registration Chairs Ryan Kirton at rkirton@emporia.edu and Monica Martinez at monicamartinez@ku.edu by Friday, August 14th, 2026.***
A processing fee of $50 shall be assessed against all canceled registrations. “If a written cancellation request is submitted after August 14, 2026, no refund will be given.***
2026 Pre-College Student Leadership Conference and College Conference
The Pre-College Student Leadership Conference and College Conference offer to bring together into a work and study community those persons who have an active interest in or who are professionally involved in broadening accessibility to and success in postsecondary education.
The Chapter shall have a broad base of concern but shall be particularly concerned about those students who, by reason of socioeconomic station, ethnic definition, military veteran status, disability, and/or restricted cultural educational experiences find themselves in a position of disadvantage with mainstream American students.
Our goal is to help students have positive experiences with others – to see that their programs are part of something bigger, to help students make connections with other TRIO, GEAR UP, and EOP students, and to strengthen confidence and knowledge (through competitions, sessions, visiting campuses, etc.)
The Chapter shall seek to accomplish its purpose(s) by:
1.) Promoting and conducting systematic studies and research, training, conferences, and other related activities desirable or necessary for fulfilling the purpose of the Chapter.
2.) Developing the capability to make timely and meaningful responses to issues and concerns affecting the educational resources and environments of students.
3.) Encouraging regular channels of communication between the programs and agencies in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and throughout the Midwest designed to serve the student population identified above.
2026 Update on Student Leadership Conference
Following the Board's difficult decision last June to cancel the Student Leadership Conference originally scheduled for October 2025, we're excited to share that the conference is officially back for 2026!
EOA is pleased to announce two TRIO & GEAR UP Student Leadership Conferences, giving you the flexibility to choose the location that works best for your students:
-
October 5, 2026 – Wichita State University
-
October 19, 2026 – Avila University
Both conferences will provide opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, build connections, and engage with the community and will feature sessions from the Kansas Leadership Center.
Registration details will follow soon. In the meantime, please save the date and share this news with your students and staff.
Thank you for your continued patience and support of TRIO/GEAR UP programs in our area — we're looking forward to seeing everyone this fall!
Contact Student Leadership Conference Chair Steven Mutz for questions or concerns.
Steven Mutz (cobain@ku.edu)
.jpg)
Agenda - Wichita
9:00 – 9:45 am - Registration
9:45 – 10:00 am – Opening of Student Leadership Conference
10:00 – 11:30 am - KLC professional development (KLC campus)
11:30 – 12:00 pm - Travel to Wichita State University
12:00 – 1:15 pm - Lunch at Shocker Dining Hall (WSU)
1:30 – 3:00 pm - College visit at WSU
3:00 – 3:30 pm - Travel to Kansas Aviation Museum
3:30 – 4:45 pm - Museum visit to Kansas Aviation Museum
Agenda - Kansas City
9:00 – 9:45 am - Registration
9:45 – 10:00 am – Opening of Student Leadership Conference
10:00 – 11:30 am: KLC professional development (Whitfield - Avila)
11:45 am – 12:45 pm - Lunch at Whitfield
1:00 – 1:45 pm - College visit at Avila
1:45 – 2:30 pm - Travel to UMKC
2:30 – 3:30 pm - College visit at UMKC
3:30 – 3:45 pm - Travel to Nelson-Atkins Museum
3:45 – 4:45 pm - Museum visit
***If you need to pay by check or pay after GANs are issued, please "Select Pay in Person", you will receive an invoice via email. Please send the check payment by:
-
Monday, September 21st, 2026, for the Wichita Student Leadership Conference.
-
Monday, October 5th, 2026, for the Kansas City Student Leadership Conference***
***Cancellation Policy - Refunds for conference registration cancellation will be given ONLY when a written cancellation request is submitted to the Student Leadership Conference Chair Steven Mutz at cobain@ku.edu by:
-
Monday, September 21st, 2026, for the Wichita Student Leadership Conference.
-
Monday, October 5th, 2026, for the Kansas City Student Leadership Conference***
A processing fee of $50 shall be assessed against all canceled registrations. “If a written cancellation request is submitted after the dates above no refund will be given.***