D.C. Summit

At 2026 DC Student Summit, students learn their experiences, thoughts, and insights matter. That’s what Student Voice Activated is all about — an opportunity to develop and use their voices for effective civic dialogue. It’s an event where students are not just heard but empowered — where students discover their strengths through civic leadership development.

Date: March 23-25, 2025 Registration: October 15, 2025 to March 15, 2025

The three-day summit in our nation’s capital equips students with the skills necessary to elevate their stories and lived experiences directly to federal policymakers. Led by the Today’s Students Coalition, LeadMN, and The Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice, summit attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn how to effectively share their stories with policymakers
  • Hear about the most pressing issues in D.C. related to higher education
  • Engage in conversations about advancing racial equity and efforts to address today’s students’ basic needs
  • Meet with dozens of congressional offices and representatives from both the legislative and executive branches of government during Hill day
  • Attend a culminating reception on Capitol Hill to toast your time spent in Washington, D.C., learning promising practices for civic engagement
Register

Travel and Hotel Information

Hotel block link:

Beacon Hotel
1615 Rhode Island Ave NW Washington D.C. 20036
Single room is $239/night. Double room is $249/night.

Book your room here!

Deadline to book and receive the group rate is February 20, 2026

Room sharing!

If you are interested in sharing rooms with other colleges for your students, please complete this google form. As I receive notifications, I will pair advisors together to make booking plans.

Excursions & Activities

LeadMN will be organizing group outings each night. They will include sightseeing, walking tours, opportunities to meet with students from across the country, dinner, etc. They will require pre-registration and that information will be shared about a month before the event.

Food that is provided during the Summit will be breakfast and lunch both Monday and Tuesday. There will be take away containers for folks to take leftovers with them for dinners. The reception on Monday night will also have heavy appetizers and small plates.

Event Details

LeadMN will arrive with students on Sunday, March 22nd. There will be a group activity that evening (sightseeing, meet&greet, dinner, etc) with details to come.

Monday, March 23

9:00am: Breakfast and check-in

9:30am: Welcome and keynote

10:30am: Higher Ed policy overview

11:30am: Round Robin Conversations (topic selected by students during event registration)

1:00pm: Lunch

2:00pm: Storytelling training

5:00pm: Reception

 

Tuesday, March 24

9:00am: Breakfast and check-in

9:15am: POD session one (learn about legislative meetings and prepare talking points)

10:45am: Round Robin Conversations (Higher ed access and attainment topics)

12:30pm: Lunch and team building activity with your POD group

1:30pm: Department of Education briefing

2:30pm: POD session two

 

Wednesday, March 25

8:00am: Departure to the Hill

Group picture on the steps of the Capitol before group head to their day of Hill meetings

D.C. Summit, everything you need to know!

How much does it cost to register for the Summit? Early bird rate of $100/student is available until January 1st, 2026, then it adjusts to $125/student.  Students must be registered through their student life advisors.

How many students can go? There are 40 slots for students from Minnesota. The registration process is administered by Today’s Student Coalition and they do not put any limits on the number of students who can come from any specific campus or region. Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis.

How do students get there? Each campus is responsible for getting their students to DC for the Summit. You can select the best travel option available for your students. LeadMN staff will coordinate with advisors after registrations are complete to determine the best way to get all Minnesota students together Saturday night before the Summit begins Sunday morning.

I heard that LeadMN has scholarships available, tell me more! LeadMN D.C. Scholarships are currently closed, as our limited funds have been distributed. 

Register!