The Student Diversity Leadership Conference

The NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of upper school student leaders (grades 9-12) from across the U.S. and abroad. SDLC focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community. Led by a diverse team of trained adult and peer facilitators, participating students develop cross-cultural communication skills, design effective strategies for social justice practice through dialogue and the arts, and learn the foundations of allyship and networking principles. In addition to large group sessions, SDLC "family groups" and "home groups" allow for dialogue and sharing in smaller units.

Attendance is limited to 1,600 students and each school may send up to six students. All students in a single delegation must be enrolled in the registering school. Schools may not register students from another school. Violation of this policy creates liability and is grounds for NAIS to revoke both schools' participation in the conference.

SDLC Registration Information

Registration for PoCC and SDLC will open September 17, 2019. You will need to download these forms in order to register your students. Pages 2 and 3 of the document will need to be uploaded when you register; page 4 has necessary information your students will need to fill out so you can register them in our online portal. 

We recommend you select members of your student delegation before the current school year ends, so you'll have more time to secure the information and documents required to register. Again, please download the SDLC student registration forms and distribute them to your delegation. 

Download the SDLC registration forms.


SDLC Additional Opportunities

A student can indicate interest in one of the following:

  • Peer Facilitators are trained to serve a vital role in our conference by leading fellow attendees in small group dialogues. Any student who has group leadership experience—or who is willing participate in special training for this key role—may serve as a Peer Facilitator at SDLC. Prior SDLC attendance is helpful, but not required. 
  • Diversity 201: Returning students not serving as peer facilitators can join an advanced family group called Diversity 201. Diversity 201 is a specialized and advanced experience designed to allow returning participants an opportunity to dig deeper into issues of identity, power, privilege, and allyship. Diversity 201 is limited to one student per school.

Responsibilities of Students and Chaperones

Students, whether local or traveling, are expected to:

  • Attend all conference sessions, activities, and meals;
  • Sign and abide by the Student Conduct Agreement governing behavior throughout the conference; and
  • Cooperate with adult chaperones and with conference staff.

Schools are required to send a chaperone(s) with their student delegation. Chaperones are expected to:

  • Take responsibility for chaperoning only students enrolled in their schools;
  • Bring a copy of each student's forms with them to the conference;
  • Have photo identification with them at all times;
  • Attend an onsite chaperone orientation session;
  • Ensure their students attend all SDLC activities;
  • Arrange for students’ meals not included in the SDLC registration;
  • Be responsible for their students during designated free times;
  • Meet students at designated points and times;
  • Support and enforce the Student Conduct Agreement, including participation requirements and adherence to curfew; and
  • Be on call at all times during the conference and check their cell phones regularly.
  • Adhere to all program and safety protocols outlined during the SDLC Chaperone Orientation.