Eligibility: Any student in a graduate degree-seeking programs (i.e., masters, and doctoral students) for disciplines whose research generally highlights the importance of creating and supporting effective research partnership to advance equity for children and families is eligible to submit a presentation. Please note that if accepted, students must attend with a faculty research mentor from their university.

Submissions: Graduate students at all stages of their research are encouraged to submit proposals. Each proposal should include:

• Presentation title

• List of authors (including the presenting & corresponding author)

• Abstract (250-word maximum) describing the research

• Selection of presentation modality (See below)

• The deadline for presentation submissions is Friday, January 10, 2025.

Submit your abstract here!

Example of a paper submission

This paper explores how strong family-school partnerships can support early literacy foundations and promote educational equity in linguistically and culturally diverse communities. By focusing on building supportive relationships between families, schools, and local organizations, the project highlights the role of community collaboration in fostering environments where all children can thrive.

Drawing from a mix of preliminary observations and early feedback from families and educators, this study identifies key strategies that support family involvement in reading activities and improve communication between schools and families. Initial findings suggest that community-driven, culturally sustaining approaches can help families feel more supported and engaged in their children’s learning journeys.

This presentation will discuss actionable ideas for researchers and educators interested in family-centered research and programs, with an emphasis on creating inclusive spaces and adapting resources to fit local needs. This work contributes to the broader dialogue on equity by showing how collaborative partnerships can lay a foundation for positive educational outcomes in early childhood. 

Example Roundtable Submission

This roundtable discussion will explore emerging ideas on how building strong family-school partnerships can help address early literacy and advance educational equity in historically marginalized communities. The project is in its early stages, focusing on identifying effective strategies to engage families in literacy activities and enhance communication between schools and multilingual families.

We will discuss preliminary observations and share insights from initial feedback gathered from parents, educators, and community members. Participants will be invited to contribute their perspectives on developing culturally inclusive, community-driven approaches that empower families and support young learners’ literacy development. Key topics for discussion include creating accessible resources for families, designing flexible engagement strategies, and leveraging local community partnerships to strengthen the impact of literacy initiatives.

This session aims to foster a collaborative exchange of ideas among researchers, educators, and practitioners interested in family-centered interventions. By sharing early-stage concepts and challenges, the roundtable will provide a space for participants to brainstorm innovative approaches to building dynamic family-school connections that support educational equity.

Any student in a graduate degree-seeking programs (i.e., masters, and doctoral students) for disciplines whose research generally highlights the importance of creating and supporting effective research partnership to advance equity for children and families is eligible to submit a presentation. Please note that if accepted, students must attend with a faculty research mentor from their university.

Download the PDF of the call for submission