COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

LEAD conference

A CONFERENCE FOR EDUCATION LEADERS
lead policies practices people leading in equity action and diversity for preK-12 system improvement

Join us July 29-31

The 2025 Leading in Equity, Action, and Diversity (LEAD) conference supports education leaders in improving PreK-12 school systems to disrupt pervasive racial inequities. It offers actionable insights, tools, and strategies for creating more equitable education systems that eliminate racial harm and disparities in students’ opportunities, experiences, and outcomes.

Adding a third day: Be@School

This year, we’re expanding to a three-day format, building on the two-day structure held since 2022. The third day, in partnership with Hennepin County’s Be@School, will focus on addressing barriers to school attendance for K-12 students and their families through collaborative, family-focused early interventions. 

Video Player

Registration now open!

Registration is now open for this year’s LEAD Conference: Leading in Equity, Action, and Diversity for PreK-12 System Development! 

  • LEAD Conference (July 29-30): $495
  • Be@School (July 31): $175
  • Save $75 on Be@School when you register for all three days

Please note: If you register for both days of LEAD first, your receipt will include a discount code for the Be@School registration.

Submit a breakout session proposal for LEAD or Be@School by April 30

Presentations and breakout sessions are intended to focus on PreK-12 system improvement with areas of emphasis in: academic engagement, community engagement, student and staff wellbeing, and student attendance. We welcome your proposals, and any and all of your ideas that focus on equity, action and diversity for PreK-12 system improvement are welcome! Submit your presentation proposal, using the form below, by April 30, 2025.

Non-discrimination statement

The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Land acknowledgement

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is built within the traditional homelands of the Dakota people. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations. We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.