Join us for this inaugural 5-day conference, designed to equip student leaders with tools to serve as program ambassadors for your organization. Hosted by FOCUS Training at Loyola University in Chicago (July 7-11, 2026), this unique experience invites students from grants, student clubs, and similar organizations from across the country to learn essential skills to enhance their leadership styles and support their organizations' missions.

Your high-potential students will collaborate with like-minded participants as we dive into topics like:

  • Planning events

  • Public speaking skills

  • Professionalism & networking

  • Building belonging

  • and more

Adult chaperones representing their organization will participate in an engaging professional development track, designed to support their students' ambassador journey beyond the conference. 

Throughout the Institute, students gain skills to plan and execute a program at their school to support their organization's mission, such as an informational presentation, a recruitment event, or an engaging workshop. Students are provided with the framework and planning time during the Institute, and can return to their schools to confidently showcase their program to their peers and other organization members.

Institute graduates will continue to grow as ambassadors beyond the program with the support of the following:

  • Ambassador Handbook to utilize during and after the Institute

  • Post-Institute Continuous Education Webinars to check in with FOCUS Team and keep students accountable

CONFERENCE LINKS:

 

THIS CONFERENCE will be hosted on CAMPUS AT:

Loyola University in Chicago, IL

Learn more about LUC
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Students will observe and participate in activities that may involve planning events, public speaking skills, professionalism & networking, and building belonging.

  • School staff will transport students to and from the airport for the conference. FOCUS Training staff members will pick your students and chaperones at the airport to transport them to Loyola University Chicago’s campus.

  • Students are staying in dorms on campus and will be assigned a roommate. All students must be in their own dorm rooms between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Overnight security is on duty during the overnight hours.

  • Dress for the program is casual student attire. A conference t-shirt is provided and should be worn on Day 2. Jeans, pants and leggings are appropriate.