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 GEAR UP, TRIO, 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.

Agenda Quick Glance

Tuesday, JulY 7

Airport Pick-up

Lunch & Check-in

Opening + Welcome

Dinner

Training Session: Ambassador 101

Evening Session

Wednesday, July 8

Breakfast

Training Session: Event Planning Skills

Lunch

Training Session: Public Speaking One

Training Session: Group Debrief

Dinner

Evening Entertainment

Thursday, July 9

Breakfast

Training Session: Building Belonging

Lunch

Training Session: Professionalism, Networking, Recruitment

Training Session: Public Speaking Two

Dinner

Evening Entertainment

Friday, July 10

Breakfast

Community Service

Lunch

Chicago Entertainment (explore Chicago with FOCUS)

Saturday, July 11

Breakfast

Final Presentations

Closing Session

 

THIS CONFERENCE will be hosted on CAMPUS AT:

Loyola University in Chicago, IL

Learn more about LUC
 

conference links:

 

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.