Jump Start 2026

Effective leadership requires more than just communicating a mission—it demands team ownership. Learn how to transform your team into influential thought partners by building a communal vision. In this session, we will explore practical tools and strategies to cultivate a culture where team members contribute to program direction, share constructive feedback, and take true accountability for your organization's mission.

This advanced leadership session connects strategic organizational communication with daily program management, focusing on how supervisors can empower front-line staff to build immediate trust with families. Led by a veteran communications director and a seasoned principal, this interactive workshop teaches leaders how to train their direct-care staff in clear, empathetic communication techniques that de-escalate parent concerns.

Attendees will leave equipped with a practical, three-step ""Bridge to Focus"" communication framework. This tool is designed to turn stressful daily interactions into positive, trusted connection points—proving that the little moments of deliberate, reframed communication yield big outcomes in staff retention and strategies for meaningful family engagement.

Explore digital design to cultivate student agency and self-expression. In this interactive session, we'll examine what creativity looks like in an AI-driven era through active digital content production.

Participants will gain hands-on experience using professional platforms like Adobe Express, learning to guide students in defining target audiences, building brand identities, and mastering graphic design fundamentals. By bridging the gap between students' digital passions and professional aspirations, this workshop provides practical insights into the creator economy, equipping educators to confidently guide students toward relevant 21st-century career pathways.

Most educators, parents, and students are navigating AI without a map, responding to federal directives, state policies, and classroom realities that are all moving at different speeds. Join USBE AI Education Specialist Matt Winters for a candid, field-level look at what is actually happening across the country, what it means for Utah right now, and how to lead communities through this moment with clarity, confidence, and humanity at the center.

Afterschool professionals, educators, program leaders, and youth advocates are invited to discover how their voice can create meaningful change beyond their own programs. Drawing from my experience as a nonprofit leader and State School Board candidate, I'll share practical lessons about advocating for students, influencing education policy, building relationships with decision-makers, and effectively telling your program's story. You'll leave with actionable strategies and resources to confidently engage with school boards, legislators, community leaders, and families. Whether you're new to advocacy or ready to amplify your impact, this session will empower you to turn your passion for students into lasting change for the children and communities you serve.