Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Fawcett Center
Lead Well, Be Well is an annual 10th grade summit for students participating in The Ohio State University Young Scholars Program (YSP), grounded in the belief that developing as a leader begins with learning to lead oneself. Through interactive workshops and activities, Scholars build self-awareness, develop healthy habits, strengthen relationships, take greater ownership of their education and personal growth, and explore future possibilities. These experiences equip Scholars with the skills to make informed choices, navigate challenges, and prepare for what comes next.
Call for Proposals — this is a volunteer opportunity
We invite educators, counselors, youth-development professionals, students, and other professionals committed to supporting young people to submit proposals for interactive workshops, seminars, and activities aligned with the following themes:
- Leadership and Self-Advocacy: Help scholars develop the skills and confidence to speak up for themselves, navigate challenges and lead with purpose.
- Wellness and Personal Growth: Empower scholars to make healthy choices that support their academic success, well-being and personal development. (This can include active sessions such as yoga, Zumba or other physical activities)
- Academic Success, College Readiness and AI Fluency: Prepare scholars to take ownership of their educational journey while leveraging technology and campus resources for success.
- Career and Major Exploration: Expose scholars to academic disciplines, career pathways and opportunities that help them envision their future.
- Mentorship, Networking and Community Connections: Coach scholars on the importance of creating meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, college students and professionals who can support their growth.
Conference goals
Scholars will:
- Develop self-advocacy skills, conflict resolution, and confidence in their ability to seek support and resources.
- Understand the impact of healthy decision-making on academic success and personal wellness.
- Explore college majors, academic disciplines, and career pathways.
- Learn strategies for taking ownership of their educational journey.
- Connect with faculty, staff and current college students who can serve as mentors and role models.
Suggested guided question
To align with the conference themes, presenters are encouraged to address the following question:
What leadership skills, healthy habits and personal decisions help students succeed in your field or discipline?
Session expectations
Proposed sessions should:
- Be designed specifically for a 10th grade student audience.
- Be interactive, engaging and developmentally appropriate.
- Provide opportunities for students to participate, reflect, practice a skill or apply what they learn.
- Connect clearly to one or more Lead Well, Be Well themes.
- Be designed for a 50-minute session.
Proposal submission requirements
Please be prepared to provide:
- Session title
- Presenter name(s), title(s) and organization(s), including brief bio
- Department/unit (if applicable)
- Presenter contact information
- Session description (150-250 words)
- Learning objectives or intended student outcomes
- Primary Lead Well, Be Well themes
- Description of planned activities or student engagement
- Technology, space or other presentation needs
Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m., on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Thank you for considering sharing your time and expertise to support the growth and development of Young Scholars. Your participation helps create meaningful learning experiences that encourage Scholars to lead and be well.