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.
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...
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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 Student Leadership Conference
MKN 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:
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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.
Contact Student Leadership Conference Chair Steven Mutz for questions or concerns.
Steven Mutz (cobain@ku.edu)
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:
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Monday, September 21st, 2026, for the Wichita Student Leadership Conference.
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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:
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Monday, September 21st, 2026, for the Wichita Student Leadership Conference.
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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.***