Connections Conference
Connections Conference
Friday, March 7, 2025
Rise up! Empowering Youth Voices for a Better Tomorrow
The Connections Conference is a social justice event for high school and middle school students and educators where we explore issues of bias, privilege, and discrimination. Both student and adult presenters share their diverse perspectives and experiences through immersive, hands-on workshops. Join us for a day-long collaborative exploration of how to support each other and make our schools and communities better for everyone.
Call for proposals is open | Submissions due January 31, 2025
Both students and adults are encouraged to submit a proposal.
Your participation in the conference and support of students and educators across New England working to create inclusive learning environments will go a long way in helping to motivate many others to continue this important work. We are always interested in hearing new voices and encourage you to share your diverse perspectives and experiences.
Sign up your school's team today!
This event is designed for educators and students from high schools and middle schools to attend as a team. Up to 12 people per school are allowed (we recommend 10 students and two adults). Last year we had over 600 students, teachers, and school staff join us from all over New England!
Clark University
950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610
Are there any fees?
The fee to attend is $250.00 for a team of up to 12 people (students and adults) from one school.
Friday, March 7, 2025
7:30–8:15 a.m. Arrival and Registration
8:15–9:15 a.m. Welcome and Keynote
9:30–10:30 a.m. Workshop Session #1
10:45–11:45 a.m. Workshop Session #2
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:40–1:30 p.m. Closing Activity and Keynote
Please note schedule is subject to change.
Introducing our Keynote Speakers
Nay $peaks, born Janay, is a rapper from Mattapan, Boston, and a student at Spelman College. Known as the "Nayborhood Healer," she was recently named Best New Artist at the Boston Music Awards, performed at BAMS Fest and the half time show for the Boston Celtics. Influenced by Monica, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige, and Erykah Badu, Nay Speaks narrates the youth's perspective through her music. A member of the Words Speak Life collective, she’s a prominent voice in the New England open mic and poetry circuit. Industry figures like Cortez Bryant, Lil Wayne's manager, recognize her potential, noting that "it's only the beginning."
Motivating and challenging others is something that comes naturally to Tony Thompson, award-winning author, speaker, and entrepreneur. His high energy and contagious passion captivates audiences, and they are enlightened and empowered by the knowledge and clarity in all of his speeches. To date, Tony has spoken to tens of thousands of individuals across the United States, which includes High Schools, Colleges, Fortune 500 companies, and Non-Profit Organizations (Religious and Non-Religious). As a passionate speaker and purposeful entrepreneur, he has partnered with banks and corporations to provide youth, young adults, and businesses with the tools they need to improve themselves and the communities around them. Tony Thompson is a well-trusted resource for all ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic groups, and remains "A Passionate Voice for the People."
