SDLC registration is closed.

We encourage you to join our waitlist. Please email NAIS@experient-inc.com with the subject line ‘SDLC Waitlist.’ Include your school’s name in the body of the message and the number of students you are hoping to register. Schools will be contacted individually if space becomes available.


The Student Diversity Leadership Conference

Listening for the Grace Note: Finding Harmony Amid Cacophony

2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference, 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, with a maximum of six students per school. All students in a six-student delegation must be enrolled in the registering school. Schools may not register students from another school, even when their delegation size is fewer than six students. Violation of this policy creates liability and is grounds for NAIS to revoke both schools' participation in the conference.

SDLC Schedule at a Glance

Click here for an overview of SDLC programming. 


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.