As part of the HED 297A: Topics in Leadership course, all students will participate in the Academic Conference. The Academic Conference is an opportunity for New Start students to engage in research at a Tier I Research University. Students will self-select into groups of 3 where they will pick a research topic of their choice that is associated with that year's theme. Students will then submit their research proposals and have the opportunity to present their research to other New Start students and alumni.  Scholarships are awarded to groups for Best Research, Best Innovation, and Best Creativity. For summer 2025, the Academic Conference will take place on July 9 - 10.

If you are interested in donating to help fund New Start's Academic Conference Scholarships, please visit our Donate page.