The Annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference Is Coming May 2026!

Students from across the country will be gathering in the nation’s capital to develop skills for leadership beyond internships and early career opportunities

More than 220 undergraduate students from across the U.S. will convene in Washington, D.C., for the 17th annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference (SLC). The theme this year is Leadership Beyond The Title: Voice, Influence, Impact.

This multi-day event will feature presentations and keynote addresses from corporate leaders on professional development topics, aimed at equipping students with skills needed to be successful as interns and early career professionals. The conference will take place at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA, from May 27-30.

U.S. employers face a critical challenge to find and hire the next generation of well-equipped professionals in the high-growth industries of business, computer science, education, engineering, entertainment, finance, healthcare and technology.

UNCF’s Student Leadership Conference will provide opportunities for rising juniors and seniors attending colleges and universities from across the country including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to participate in an intense training simulation with coaching from high-level business and nonprofit professionals. Students will leave armed with the skills and support they will need to remain competitive in our ever evolving workforce, as they begin to embark upon internships, fellowships and new full-time positions at the conclusion of the conference.

“The UNCF Student Leadership Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity for top-performing students to connect with leaders in the industries they dream of joining. The conference provides a platform beyond engaging in candid conversations, this conference provides students an opportunity to expand their networks and gain invaluable mentorship that will propel them toward their future achievements”, said Taliah Givens, senior director, UNCF student professional development programs.

“Our mission is to inspire students by showing them that leadership within their desired industry is not only within reach but is also being achieved by people from similar backgrounds who are eager to help them reach their goals.”

Additional conference speakers will include:

• Shayna Yvonne Rudd, psychotherapist, The Legends House
• Sheila Jacobs, managing director-market manager, Wells Fargo Advisors
• Renita Webb, founder, The Refining Life
• Chris Cooper, president and CEO, Execute Your Passion LLC

This year, UNCF is expanding its experiential learning curriculum, designed to empower students by bridging the gap between theory and practice. This enhanced curriculum will enable all participants to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings through our business stimulator where students will be faced with multigenerational work environments, fast-paced trend changes and project turnover.

Additionally, students with interest in storytelling will have the opportunity to create content for our student-led podcast, providing a hands-on experience that enhances their learning journey. Finally, we are also introducing a unique “speed networking” style round table, where young professionals will engage with participants. This dynamic format will provide invaluable exposure to potential career trajectories and insights into entering the workforce confidently and effectively as new hires.

This year’s partners with the UNCF Student Leadership Conference include Wells Fargo (leadership partner), who has partnered for 10 years, The Walt Disney Company, Target, Fidelity, Toyota, Best Buy, Macy’s and Colgate-Palmolive.

“Wells Fargo is honored to partner with UNCF in supporting students as they take these important next steps in their careers,” said Gigi Dixon, head of External Engagement at Wells Fargo. “Together, we’re helping ensure tomorrow’s leaders are prepared to enter the workforce and grow, lead, and thrive for years to come.”

There are thousands of success stories from previous students in the UNCF SLC internship programs. Promise Sam, a previous participant of the Student Leadership Conference, had the opportunity to intern with The Walt Disney Company in 2021. Since then, he has been hired, promoted twice and recognized as a mentor and leader within the company.

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About UNCF

UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 13,000 scholarships to more than 10,000 students totaling more than $64 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in strengthening the pipeline of leaders and professionals who advance our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.